We’re up to the third round of the US Open. The first two rounds have been chock full of upsets, but what will the next rounds bring to us? We’re back to predict the five best matches of Day 5. Today’s panelists are myself (Yesh Ginsburg), editor Steen Kirby, and writer Manuel Traquete.
Panelists Predictions US Open Women’s Day 5
Ekaterina Makarova vs Carla Suarez-Navarro
Manuel:
Makarova has been in hot form lately, winning 11 of her last 13 matches and she looks like a good outside bet for a deep run here.
Prediction: Makarova in 2
Yesh:
Makarova was so impressive in her victory over Wozniacki. The errors started creeping up in the second set, but she absolutely pummeled the ball to tremendous effect. She should be able to do the same in this match.
Prediction: Makarova in 2
Steen:
CSN has the H2H momentum and leads overall 6-2 in this matchup. She’s an underdog, but her form and the matchup itself suggests an upset.
Prediction: Suarez Navarro in 3
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Sofia Kenin vs Maria Sharapova
Manuel:
The Russian has a chance for a first real Slam run after her doping ban here and she will be determined not to waste it.
Prediction: Sharapova in 2
Yesh:
Kenin has made an incredible run to get here. The American should expect no home-court advantage as the New York crowd will be partial to Sharapova. She doesn’t have the match experience, but an opponent needs more talent than Kenin to stop the Russian’s comeback.
Prediction: Sharapova in 2
Steen:
Great run for Kenin and Sharapova is far from perfect, but experience matters. Presuming she’s fit, Sharapova will win. Sharapova in 2
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Carolie Garcia vs Petra Kvitova
Manuel:
The former Slam champion keeps fighting hard to rediscover her former glory and she should be able to overpower her opponent here.
Prediction: Kvitova in 2
Yesh:
I’m a bit torn about this match. The matchup favors Garcia, but Kvitova seems to be in better form right now. She still has been far from perfect since coming back from her hand injury, though. She needs more match play, and Garcia is not the opponent you want when in that position.
Prediction: Kvitova in 3
Steen:
Garcia has a H2H edge but Kvitova is looking like she could win the title. Form favors the Czech, who is hitting with ease at this point and appears to be shaking off the damage to her hand finally.
Prediction: Kvitova in 3
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Garbine Muguruza vs Magdalena Rybarikova
Manuel:
Muguruza won 6-1 6-1 when these two faced in the Wimbledon semifinals. While a closer scoreline is expected here, a different winner would be a shock.
Prediction: Muguruza in 2
Yesh:
Muguruza has struggled in New York in her career, and Rybarikova’s recent Wimbledon run should remind us of her talent. Then again, that run ended with a 61 61 loss to Muguruza. Rybarikova will want revenge, but Muguruza’s form is just way too strong right now.
Prediction: Muguruza in 2
Steen:
Rybarikova is a sleeper, but Mugurzua is wide awake having won seven straight matches and four straight without dropping a set. Muguruza looks untouchable right now.
Prediction: Muguruza in 2
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Sloane Stephens vs Ashleigh Barty
Manuel:
Two very evenly matched players in a match that could go either way. Ultimately, home court advantage might just carry Stephens through.
Prediction: Stephens in 3
Yesh:
It’s honestly a little sad that this match comes as early as the third round. These two women are constantly getting better and both are in the midst of incredible comebacks to tennis. Stephens is playing better now, but just barely. Watch out for this matchup in the future, though. It could be a Grand Slam final in a few years.
Prediction: Stephens in 3
Steen:
Both players are playing some of their best tennis of the season. The American is playing at home though and her form is even better than her Aussie counterpart. Stephens looks like the best American woman on tour right now.
Prediction: Stephens in 2
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