It’s the second week of the final Slam of the year. On Sunday, four of the women’s Round of 16 matches will be contested. We are here to predict all of them for you. Our panelists today are myself (Yesh Ginsburg), editor Sam Barker, and contributor Jeff Crady.
Panelists Predictions US Open Women’s Day 7 Matches
Anastasija Sevastova vs Johanna Konta
Jeff:
Sevestova has been a darling of the media this week. Affable and self-deprecating, the Latvian has had Slam of her life here. Konta has had a tremendous 2016, and even recovered from a collapse and cramps to win her 2nd round match. Konta uses her bigger weapons to power through in two sets.
Prediction: Konta in 2
Sam:
Other than a health scare against Pironkova, Johanna Konta has looked simply imperious so far during the US Open. Her Latvian opponent has had a superb run, upsetting an off-colour Garbine Muguruza but the Brit should have the firepower to win this one.
Prediction: Konta in 2
Yesh:
After a five-year hiatus from Grand Slam play–including a two-year retirement due to injury, Anastasija Sevastova has had the tournament of her life. She upset the #3 seed and French Open champion Garbine Muguruza. This will be tough, though. Konta is in excellent form and should move through this match easily.
Prediction: Konta in 2
Petra Kvitova vs Angelique Kerber
Jeff:
Probably the most intriguing matchup of the day as two of the most high profiled women on the WTA Tour face each other on the first weekend of the Slam. Kvitova has looked great from the Olympics on, even quipping this week that less practice has done her well. Kerber has been equally impressive in dominating her competition. Peak Kvitova beats peak Kerber and if Kvitova peaks, it will be a long afternoon for Kerber.
Prediction: Kvitova in 3
Sam:
Braced for their ninth meeting, these two free-swinging lefties will put on a superb show during the night session. The two have had contrasting years with Kerber claiming her first Grand Slam whilst Kvitova is falling down the rankings. This will be a high-quality affair but it should go the way of the German.
Prediction: Kerber in 2
Yesh:
This should be a blockbuster matchup that is probably better-suited for the final than the fourth round. I don’t quite know how to pick this, as both are in-form. Kvitova has more power, but I think that Kerber can dig deeper when the chips are really down.
Prediction: Kerber in 3
Lesia Tsurenko vs Roberta Vinci
Jeff:
Vinci returns to what has to be her favorite Slam, as the rubberized asphalt of Flushing Meadows seems to energize and accentuate the versatile style and spin she imparts on the game. Tsurenko has had a massive peak inside the top 35 last year and has had a great summer. Tsurenko outlasted the moonballs of Sasai Zheng and the zealous fans in the 3rd Round and will beat a tired and beat up Vinci in three sets.
Prediction: Tsurenko in 3
Sam:
There is something about the blue tarmac of Flushing Meadows that brings the best out of Roberta Vinci. The Italian has found her range after some indifferent recent form and should win this one. It won’t be that straightforward though. Tsurenko is playing well above her ranking but will probably succumb to Vinci’s craft.
Prediction: Vinci in 3
Yesh:
I don’t know quite how, but the US Open has become this Italian’s best tournament. Vinci reached the final last year, shocking Serena Williams in the process, and I don’t see her losing this early this year.
Prediction: Vinci in 2
Caroline Wozniacki vs Madison Keys
Jeff:
Keys made mainstream sports headlines with her improbable and energizing comeback from 1-5 down against the ever inspired Naomi Osaka on Friday. Keys has shown a will power in these tight matches this summer, and although Wozniaki has found her best form in years and has looked sharp, Keys wills herself to victory in a tight three-setter.
Prediction: Keys in 3
Sam:
This time last week I would have suggested that this match-up would be a cakewalk for Madison Keys. The resurgence of Caroline Wozniacki has been one of the most compelling US Open stories and this is now a tough match to call. Keys had a superb comeback against Naomi Osaka in her last round but even so I can feel an upset brewing.
Prediction: Wozniacki in 3
Yesh:
Caroline Wozniacki is one of the most talented female tennis players in the world, and she’s finally playing like it after a gap of a few years. Keys struggled against Naomi Osaka last round. If Wozniacki takes a lead like that, she won’t let the American off the hook.
Prediction: Wozniacki in 3
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