We are up to the final Grand Slam of the year as the US Open begins on Monday. We are here, as always, to predict the five best matches of the day. Predicting today are writers Brett Margolies, David Adair, Utkarsha Mitra, and Tracey Essex.

Panelists Predictions US Open Day 1 Women’s Matches

Simona Halep vs Kaia Kanepi

Brett:
Simona Halep looked unbeatable in Montreal and all the way up until the final in Cincinnati. Had she not blown a lead in the final against Kiki Bertens I would like her chances on winning the US Open. She showed that she’s vulnerable, but I don’t think she’ll have any problems against Kanepi.
Prediction: Halep in 2

David:
A 2014 tight three sets Doha victory for Halep is the only head-to-head between this pair. Kaia Kanepi is a tricky first round opponent who comes here having gone through qualifying in her only North American hard court tournament at Cincinnati. Obviously, Halep will be keen to avoid a repeat of last year’s first round defeat. Halep looked tired against Bertens at Cincinnati; Kanepi comes to Flushing Meadows fresh in comparison. Expect this match to go the distance, but Halep should edge it.
Prediction: Halep in 3

Utkarsha:
Halep has looked like a woman on a mission this season. She’s a contender for the title this year. Kanepi has fought her way back inside top 50 but she isn’t quite there yet. Not enough to beat Halep in my opinion.
Prediction: Halep in 2

Tracey:
They’ve only had one previous meeting in which Halep came out victorious, but Kanepi has been a finalist twice at the US Open. Kanepi’s hard hitting will surely put Halep on her foot, allowing her to take the first set. But Halep’s speed and backhand down the line – if it’s working for her – will give her the edge.
Prediction: Halep in 3
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Garbine Muguruza vs Shuai Zhang

Brett:
Muguruza is coming in short on match play after only playing one match throughout the summer in the US. She’s faced Zhang twice in her career, and both matches were competitive. I think Muguruza’s slide continues as Zhang pulls off the upset.
Prediction: Zhang in 3

David:
Zhang managed to throw away a seemingly unassailable lead against Karolina Pliskova in the third round here last year. She has largely failed to live up to her undoubted talent, but this is a good chance for her against an out-of-sorts Muguruza. This has upset written all over it.
Prediction: Zhang in 3

Utkarsha:
Since her Roland Garros semifinal run, Muguruza’s form hasn’t been great. She’s withdrawn from tournaments, lost early rounds – it’s been a mess. Her US Open history isn’t promising either. Zhang had made two consecutive 3rd round runs in the last two US Opens.
Prediction: Zhang in 3

Tracey:
Muguruza has lacked confidence and has been so hit or miss this year. Zhang has had problems with her serve, especially when forced to rely on a faltering second service. She cannot get the job done with that stat.
Prediction: Muguruza in 2
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Sloane Stephens vs Evgeniya Rodina

Brett:
I didn’t think Sloane Stephens would play her first match as defending champion on Louis Armstrong Stadium. She arguably deserved to play on Arthur Ashe Stadium, but this match should be one-sided. She’s had a great summer and also a favorable draw. She looks due for another run.
Prediction: Stephens in 2

David:
There have been signs of late that Sloane Stephens is gaining composure and belief in readiness for a strong title defence. Rodina had a great Wimbledon–making the fourth round–but will struggle to keep up with Stephens on hard courts.
Prediction: Stephens in 2

Utkarsha:
Stephens has been up-and-down this season but her recent run to Montreal final is proof that she is ready for her title defense. Rodina, on the other hand, failed to qualify for any of the hard court tournaments leading up to the US Open.
Prediction: Stephens in 2

Tracey:
You can expect great court coverage from these ladies. It’ll be a match comprised of long points with most favoring Stephens.
Prediction: Stephens in 2
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Elina Svitolina vs Saschia Vickery

Brett:
This match can be tricky for Elina Svitolina. First match of the day against a player in Vickery that’s going to make her play. Vickery has shown that she’s capable of playing well against big players defeating Muguruza at Indian Wells. I can see Svitolina getting off to a slow start, but I think she’ll survive a tough first round test.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3

David:
Svitolina has a great opportunity for a deep run in this year’s tournament given all the fitness doubts. Her Slam record is unexplainable for someone of her great character–she has got to better in Slams. The Ukrainian has had an unspectacular, but not a poor, North American hard court season. She should have way too much for Vickery, but needs to stay focused.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2

Utkarsha:
Svitolina’s performances this season have been underachieving from her perspective. She will look forward to change that at the US Open. Vickery has failed to win any main draw WTA match on hard court since Indian Wells this year. I feel Svitolina will have it easy.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2

Tracey:
With the support of the rowdy crowd, Americans pull out their best performances at the US Open. But that won’t help Sachia Vickery when she meets Elina Svitolina.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
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Venus Williams vs Svetlana Kuznetsova

Brett:
These two should know each other’s game well. They first met in 2003, and the H2H sits at 5-5. A big if, but if Venus is healthy, I think she’ll be able to get past Kuznetsova who’s a great summer. Venus usually doesn’t make it easy so I don’t think this will be any different.
Prediction: Venus Williams in 3

David:
This is an intriguing match-up. It’s one of those that looks close on paper, as meetings between this pair have seemed in the past. However, in their ten previous meetings, each one has been decided in a mere two sets. Kuznetsova has the current form, but Venus played well here last year and although she has not played a great deal this year, at times she has looked like her old self. Home advantage to pay dividends here.
Prediction: Venus Williams in 2

Utkarsha:
The Kuznetsova-Venus rivalry has been an interesting one over the years. Though Kuznetsova’s ranking has seen a steady drop this season, I expect her to give a fight to Venus.
Prediction: Venus Williams in 3

Tracey:
If she’s having a good day, it should be an easy win for Venus. But Kuznetsova is never an easy win for any player. Her focus and fierce baseline game will prove a challenge for Venus. To win, Venus will need to get to the net and with Kuznetsova, that’s nearly impossible. This will be the first tournament upset with Kuznetsova taking it in three.
Prediction: Kuznetsova in 3

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