We are up to the fourth day of the US Open. Garbine Muguruza is the biggest seed out from the women’s side of the draw, and we are only halfway through the second round. What surprises could await us in the final day of Round 2? Our panelists weigh in with their thoughts on five of the biggest matches. Predicting today are myself (Yesh Ginsburg), Ryan Schick, and Steen Kirby.
Panelists Predictions US Open Women’s Day 4 Matches
Samantha Stosur vs Shuai Zhang
Yesh:
As I said two days ago, Stosur has struggled in Flushing Meadows since her 2011 triumph here. The former champion has had some shocking losses in Slams in recent years, so anything can really happen, but I think she’s pretty safe here.
Prediction: Stosur in 2
Steen:
Despite not being in great form, the experienced Stosur took out a tough opponent in Camilla Giorgi, and should be able to win this match as well.
Prediction: Stosur in 2
Ryan:
Sam Stosur looks to continue a stellar 2016 at the age of 32 in her second meeting with Zhang, the first coming in the second round of this year’s French Open en route to Stosur’s semifinal appearance. Zhang had an impressive victory over World #15 Timea Bacsinszky in Rio but lacks the track record and experience of Stosur.
Prediction: Stosur in 3
Carla Suarez-Navarro vs Jelena Jankovic
Yesh:
In this battle of two of the most-often abbreviated names on tour, we could be in for a treat. Jankovic is a former top player who is clearly in her decline, but the talent can sometimes shine through. Suarez-Navarro is a fierce competitor who is only getting better at this point. I think we’re in for a surprise–and a good match.
Prediction: Jankovic in 3
Steen:
Suarez-Navarro won their hard court match this year and has been in solid form. Jankovic is probably the better-known player, but Suarez-Navarro is the favorite for a reason.
Prediction: Suarez-Navarro in 3
Ryan:
Former World #1 Jelena Jankovic has begun fading the last year but has still remained in the top 50 and has the edge with a 5-3 record against Suarez-Navarro, but Suarez-Navarro won their only meeting since 2013, also on a hard court. Suarez-Navarro is 5-3 including Tuesday in the hard court season, with her last 2 losses coming to top-10 players and will continue to play well.
Prediction: Suarez-Navarro in 2
Varvara Lepchenko vs Timea Bacsinzsky
Yesh:
The young Swiss has dropped down from her heights of a few months ago, but that is to be expected after her meteoric rise. This is a tough matchup, especially in New York, but I think Bacsinzsky has more than enough talent to not be concerned.
Prediction: Bacsinzsky in 2
Steen:
Neither player entered the Open with much form; Baczinsky is a better player, but Lepchenko is playing on home soil, and I see her springing the upset.
Prediction: Lepchenko in 3 sets
Ryan:
After a strong start to the season, Bacsinszky has faded in her last several outings, while Lepchenko has improved after a difficult late 2015 to early 2016. This should be one of the best matchups tomorrow with Bacsinszky’s skill and success prevailing.
Prediction: Bacsinszky in 3
Julia Goerges vs Venus Williams
Yesh:
Venus looked tired and uncomfortable in much of her opening match, which is scary. She is still one of the more talented women out there, but she lacks the stamina that she used to have. The more she plays, the more likely it is that her body will just let her down. I think she can get through this match, but it would probably be very difficult to win a third.
Prediction: Williams in 3
Steen:
Goerges’ power game should trouble Venus, who needed three sets in Round 1, but this is a massive tournament for the long-time top player, and she’s eager to make it into the second week. New York fans will will Venus to a win.
Prediction: Williams in 3
Ryan:
The ageless wonder Venus Williams comes into her 17th US Open as the #6 seed, trying to follow up her semifinal appearance at Wimbledon and her subsequent final appearance at Stanford. She is facing Goerges, who only played one match on hard court before this tournament and sits outside the top 60 in the world; Williams will simply be too much for Goerges to handle.
Prediction: Williams in 2
Simona Halep vs Lucie Safarova
Yesh:
This is by far the biggest match of Round 2. It’s quite an unfortunate draw here for Safarova, who really could have done some damage. This match will be tight and exciting, but I have to edge with the Romanian here, as she is itching for a real chance at her first Slam title.
Prediction: Halep in 3
Steen:
Halep controls the H2H and is one of the favorites for the title. Safarova won’t be able to stop her march into the second week.
Prediction: Halep in 2
Ryan:
Lucie Safarova comes into this matchup ranked 44th and unseeded after being 6th at last year’s US Open. Halep has been up and down the past year for her standards but in the two hard court masters leading up to this tournament, she won in Canada and reached the semis in Cincinatti and will keep playing well in hopes of her first major title.
Prediction: Halep in 2
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