It’s time to look ahead to the second round of the US Open. Everyone left still has a match under their belts, and the draw is starting to become clearer. There are opportunities for players all across the draw, as well as favorites trying to avoid an upset. And, amazingly, Venus Williams still has a path to becoming World #1 this tournament. Today’s panelists are myself (Yesh Ginsburg), editor Steen Kirby, and writer Vithun Illankovan.
Panelists Predictions US Open Women’s Day 3
Caroline Wozniacki vs Ekaterina Makarova
Vithun:
Makarova is a tough opponent for a 2nd round match but Wozniacki is my predicted champion and has played pretty well throughout the year. With a 7-0 record and only one set dropped previously against the Russian, Wozniacki should get through.
Prediction: Wozniacki in 2
Yesh:
Wozniacki showed moments of vulnerability in her first match, but she has been playing great (except in finals) all year and her game just takes away everything Makarova can do. This should be an easy win for the Dane.
Prediction: Wozniacki in 2
Steen:
Two of the most in-form players this US Open. Wozniacki is 7-0 in the h2h though and arguably the better player. Look for the Dane to not slip up in this one.
Prediction: Wozniacki in 3
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Oceane Dodin vs Venus Williams
Vithun:
Unlike many of her peers, Venus is a reliable player in Grand Slams. Though she may struggle against unheralded opponents, she usually always comes out with the win.
Prediction: Williams in 2
Yesh:
Dodin has shown potential in the past, and Venus struggled in her first match. This one could be surprising, but it will take more consistency than Dodin currently has to upset Venus right now.
Prediction: Williams in 3
Steen:
Both players come off three set wins, Dodin is a talent, but Venus is Venus, the Frenchwoman won’t be able to maintain a high enough level to pull the upset.
Prediction: Williams in 2
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Petra Kvitova vs Alize Cornet
Vithun:
I don’t expect the winner of this match to win another round in the tournament. As Kvitova has lost in the second round in her first two Slams since her comeback, I believe it will be third time lucky here.
Kvitova in 3
Yesh:
Kvitova is the better player on hard courts, even if Cornet might have looked better in their respective first-round matches. Kvitova’s comeback is slowly making its way forward, and another win here is just the next step.
Prediction: Kvitova in 2
Steen:
Neither player is coming in with good form but they won easily enough in the first round. Kvitova has a h2h win and she’s better on hard courts.
Prediction: Kvitova in 2
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Timea Babos vs Maria Sharapova
Vithun:
With most players, you would expect an upset after a big win. Not for Maria! She is back and is a genuine contender for the title now. Babos has also struggled in 2017 so expect a much more straightforward match.
Prediction: Sharapova in 2
Yesh:
The only question is whether Sharapova has a letdown after her very emotional win. I’m going to say no.
Prediction: Sharapova in 2
Steen:Coming off an emotional upset of Halep, Sharapova could be set for an emotional letdown, but Babos lacks the level needed to grab the upset and dash Sharapova’s hopes of claiming the title.
Prediction: Sharapova in 2
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Sloane Stephens vs Dominica Cibulkova
Vithun:
I can see this match going either way. However, given current form and their performances in their first round matches, Stephens is definitely the favorite despite being the unseeded player on a protected ranking.
Prediction: Stephens in 3
Yesh:
This could be one of the better matches of the second round. Stephens is viewed by many as the slight favorite, but Cibulkova should be able to frustrate the American enough to make this match touch-and-go. Whoever keeps her composure in the third set will win this.
Prediction: Cibulkova in 3
Steen:
Both players are in great form so this match should be played at a high level. Stephens looks fresher after Cibulkova played in New Haven though and playing in the States has a slight edge.
Prediction: Stephens in 3
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