It’s time to wrap up the opening round of the final Grand Slam of the year. The US Open has started off with a bang, with top women’s seed Simona Halep losing on opening day. What does Day 2 have in store? We’re here to predict it. Today’s panelists are writers Tracey Essex and Utkarsha Mitra, along with editors Yesh Ginsburg and Steen Kirby.
Panelists Predictions US Open Day 2 Women’s Matches
Caroline Garcia vs Johanna Konta
Utkarsa:
It’s an interesting matchup. Konta leads 3-2. Garcia’s Grand Slam run this year has been much better than Konta’s. Konta’s US Open career has been better than Garcia’s. Both their current form have been similar. But Konta might get the win based due to her experience and a little more match practice post-Wimbledon.
Prediction: Konta in 3
Steen:
Garcia’s form is slightly better and Konta pulled out of her last tournament, I’ll back Garcia in what should be a competitive contest.
Prediction: Garcia in 2
Tracey:
Can unseeded Johanna Konta stay on the positive side of her head-to-head record against Caroline Garcia? Probably not, as Garcia’s game and confidence continue to improve, she’d be a tough opponent for Konta in perfect health. While she says she’s feeling better, Konta’s virus will impact her performance. It’ll be a tight two-setter, but it will only take two sets for Garcia to push through.
Prediction: Garcia in 2
Yesh:
Konta has fallen a bit from her peak last year, and Garcia has been playing well. This match could go either way, and should be one of the best Round 1 tilts.
Prediction: Garcia in 3
Embed from Getty Images
Taylor Townsend vs Amanda Anisimova
Utkarsa:
Only 16 years old, Anisimova has shown bright form and good tennis since her return from injury. This is her first ever main draw match at US Open, against Townsend who hasn’t played a match since Wimbledon and neither has she ever won a main draw match in New York.
Prediction: Anisimova in 3
Steen:
With Townsend playing a limited schedule lately the favorite is Anisimova, who won five matches between Stanford and Cincy.
Prediction: Anisimova in 2
Tracey:
Amanda Anisimova’s stellar two-handed backhand and big serve will be the weapons Taylor Townsend must face, and they’ll likely prove a challenge. Taylor can be a tricky player, but Amanda’s composure and power will see her through in straight sets.
Prediction: Anisimova in 2
Yesh:
A few short years ago, Taylor Townsend was the next big thing in American tennis. She hasn’t quite hit her stride yet, and now 16-year-old Amanda Anisimova is lighting up the game. Expect this to be her first big Grand Slam showing.
Prediction: Anisimova in 2
Embed from Getty Images
Jelena Ostapenko vs Andrea Petkovic
Utkarsa:
Ostapenko’s recent form hasn’t been promising. Petkovic hasn’t been able to qualify for the last two tournaments she entered. In Grand Slams, Ostapenko is always a threat but she can blow hot and cold. Petkovic is more stable and experience helps in Majors.
Prediction: Petkovic in 3
Steen:
With Petkovic reaching the semis in DC I’ll back an upset in the rankings as Ostapenko hasn’t played well since Wimbledon.
Prediction: Petkovic in 3
Embed from Getty Images
Tracey:
With Petkovic’s injury and Ostapenko’s serve askew, this could go either way. Coming into the US Open on a three-match losing streak with 23 double faults may prove daunting for Ostapenko. But she’s a feisty player who doesn’t easily give up. With Petkovic injured, count on Ostapenko to find a way to win, though it will likely take three sets.
Prediction: Ostapenko in 3
Yesh:
Both players are big names, but neither is anywhere near their best right now. Still, Ostapenko is a Major champion and has the much bigger upside. The match will be on her racket, which is always a better position.
Prediction: Ostapenko in 3
Embed from Getty Images
Aryna Sabalenka vs Danielle Collins
Utkarsa:
The combined Grand Slam W-L for Sabalenka and Collins is 1-8. Collins has never won a Grand Slam main draw match, and her recent form isn’t impressive either. Sabalenka, one of the most talented ladies right now, is fresh from her Connecticut title run. It’s unlikely she’ll disappoint immediately.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Steen:
Presuming the New Haven champion Sabalenka isn’t fatigued from her run there she should dominate the inexperienced Collins.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Tracey:
Belarus’ rising young star Aryna Sabalenka has won 11 of her last 13 matches, and comes into the US Open confident, fresh off her New Haven title. American Daniella Collins hasn’t had much success since the Sunshine Double. While she’ll receive a lot of support from her fellow Americans, she probably won’t spend much time on the court. This should be an easy win for Sabalenka in two sets.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Yesh:
Sabalenka is coming into this tournament with a good amount of momentum during the US Open Summer Series. Collins, meanwhile, has not done much since her dream run in Miami months ago.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Embed from Getty Images
Caroline Wozniacki vs Samantha Stosur
Utkarsa:
Stosur won the US Open, but that was back in 2011. Her career, especially in Grand Slams has seen a sharp fall in level ever since. Wozniacki, on the other hand, earned the no. 1 ranking and an elusive maiden Grand Slam title in Australia this year. Her US Open runs over the years have been better than the other three (5 SFs or better in 11 attempts).
Prediction: Wozniacki in 3
Steen:
Wozniacki is in poor form but given her H2H edge against the veteran Stosur I’ll back her to survive.
Prediction: Wozniacki in 3
Tracey:
Sam Stosur does so well at the US Open. It’s hard to imagine her not getting through to the second round. Wozniacki’s injured right leg won’t allow her the sharp defensive skills which has pushed her through many a tough match. Wozniacki will give it her best but Sam Stosur will win in two.
Prediction: Stosur in 2
Yesh:
Wozniacki hasn’t quite become a world-beater since winning her maiden Slam back at the Australian Open earlier this year, but she has been playing with more confidence. This could be a tough match against a talented opponent, but I think the Dane should be able to get through.
Prediction: Wozniacki in 2
