It’s the second day of our final Slam of the season. We’re predicting four of the biggest matches, including Serena Williams’ return after losing in Rio. Predicting today are myself (Yesh Ginsburg), editor Sam Barker, and contributor Niall Murray.
Panelists Predictions US Open Women’s Day 2 Matches
Camila Giorgi vs Sam Stosur
Sam:
She may be a former US Open champion but Stosur has often struggled on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows. Luckily, she should have enough to see off the double-fault machine that is Camila Giorgi. The Italian has been struggling for consistency throughout 2016 and has consequently seen her ranking tumble.
Prediction: Stosur in 2
Yesh:
Stosur won the US Open in 2011 but hasn’t been able to replicate that magic since. Nevertheless, she still has too much raw talent on hard courts for me to pick against her, even though that has bitten me in the past.
Prediction: Stosur in 2
Niall:
This should be a foregone conclusion on paper, given that Stosur is a former champion at Flushing Meadows and her opponent is ranked #66 in the world. However, Stosur hasn’t had great results coming into New York and Giorgi has a very aggressive style of play. That said, I still think the Australian will have too much for Giorgi.
Prediction: Stosur in 3
Laura Robson vs Naomi Braody
Sam:
What a rare treat. It’s not often we get an all-British matchup in an overseas Grand Slam. It should be a fascinating encounter as well. Naomi Broady’s powerful, big-serving style will certainly cause tactical baseliner Laura Robson plenty of problems. The two will know each other’s games well and this one is likely to go the distance.
Prediction: Robson in 3
Yesh:
This matchup is intriguing because it’s so hard to predict. The two play such an interesting contrast in styles and know each other very well, being two of the top female British tennis players. This is basically a pick ’em, but it should definitely go three sets.
Prediction: Robson in 3
Niall:
Surprisingly the two Brits have never faced each other before. I fancy Laura Robson to win this. She’s on an eight match winning streak and came through qualifying to reach the first round. Moreover, compared to Naomi Broady, Laura Robson has significantly more experience on the big stage. She’ll also want to show that she’s on her way back to her best after years of injury problems.
Prediction: Robson in 2
Anett Kontaveit vs Elena Vesnina
Sam:
There is a feeling of unfinished business in this tie as Kontaveit was forced to retire from their only previous encounter–last week in New Haven. Vesnina’s quiet resurgence has been one of the understated success stories of 2016 and it may be a repeat result this week–even if the Estonian can finish the match this time.
Prediction: Vesnina in 2
Yesh:
Kontaveit has some injury concerns but if she is healthy, she can really present a challenge here. Vesnina is probably too good right now for the Estonian to beat, but I expect this to be a very tight match, and an upset is not entirely off the cards.
Prediction: Kontaveit in 3
Niall:
These two met earlier in the month at New Haven where Vesnina emerged victorious. Kontaveit has made first round exits in every other Grand Slam this year and I suspect it will be more of the same this time around. I can’t see anything but a Vesnina victory.
Prediction: Vesina in 2
Serena Williams vs Ekaterina Makarova
Sam:
On paper this is an easy win for Serena Williams. Two years ago she battered Makarova at this very venue. The problem is that no one is quite sure how fit Williams is. The shoulder problem may not be an issue anymore but if there is any sign of weakness Makarova certainly has a tricky game to exploit it.
Prediction: Williams in 3
Yesh:
It’s so tough to predict Serena’s matches now. Honestly, I feel like she could either lose in this round or win the whole tournament. There will definitely be some rust when starting, but maybe predicting her losing this match is too much.
Prediction: Williams in 3
Niall:
Makarova is probably one of the last players Williams would have wanted in the first round. The tall Russian will also be coming into this match full of confidence after winning doubles gold in Rio. Despite her tricky opponent I believe Williams will emerge victorious – so long as her shoulder holds out.
Prediction: Williams in 3
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