We have now reached the second round of the US Open. Players have a match under their belts and we can see who is ready to make a deep run. Our writers are here to predict the best five women’s Day 3 matches. Predicting today are writers Tracey Essex, David Adair, Utkarsha Mitra, and editor Yesh Ginsburg.
Panelists Predictions US Open Day 3 Women’s Matches
Serena Williams vs Carina Witthoeft
Tracey:
It took Serena a bit to find her form, but during her first round win we saw her begin to resemble the Serena who’s won so many tournaments. Witthoeft does best when she attacks, and it’s doubtful Serena will give her much of an opportunity. With improved movement and powerful shots off both wings, this should be an easy two-set win for Serena.
Prediction: Serena Williams in 2
David:
Like a true champion Serena turned the focus onto what she does on-court rather than what she is wearing against Linette first round. Earlier in the month Carina Witthoeft was knocked out in the first round of an ITF event by Katharina Hogbarski and didn’t make it out of qualifying at Connecticut. Serena Williams will be buoyed by the exit of Halep and will fancy her chances this year. It’s hard to see the German causing Williams too many problems.
Prediction: Serena Williams in 2
Utkarsha:
It’s a mismatch on paper. And, the way Serena competed on her first match, it’s unlikely to be anything different against Witthoeft.
Prediction: Serena Williams in 2
Yesh:
Serena got off to a bit of a slow start in her first match, and she hasn’t quite been up to her usual standard this summer. She should win this easily, but don’t be shocked if a set or two ends up close.
Prediction: Serena Williams in 2
Embed from Getty Images
Ashleigh Barty vs Lucie Safarova
Tracey:
Two experienced doubles players facing off in the second round of the US Open will make for an interesting match. Both Barty and Safarova bring solid ground strokes, reliable serves and are phenomenal at net. They’ve never met on court for singles but know each other’s game from doubles. I would expect to see Barty take this match in three very close sets. There’s no easy win here.
Prediction: Barty in 3
David:
Ash Barty is not far off being a Slam contender. Since winning Nottingham on grass, she has been consistent, but not great. That said, she should comfortably find her way past Safarova.
Prediction: Barty in 2
Utkarsha:
Interesting singles matchup between two ladies more successful in doubles. It’s a tough pick but I’ll go with Barty, keeping her Montreal semifinal run in mind.
Prediction: Barty in 3
Yesh:
I can’t seem to get a read on Barty. When I expect her to do well, she falters. When I expect her to struggle, she does well. Her first-round domination of Ons Jabeur was very impressive, though.
Prediction: Barty in 2
Embed from Getty Images
Victoria Azarenka vs Daria Gavrilova
Tracey:
Gavrilova won’t have the easy beat-down she offered up her opponent in the opening round. Victoria Azarenka is a much tougher challenge, and should she find the form which landed her to two Grand Slam titles, Gavrilova can expect to spend a lot of court time battling. Regardless, Gavrilova should make it through in three sets.
Prediction. Gavrilova in 3
David:
This is potentially the match of the day. Azarenka has more focus about her now and in patches that rifling forehand is finding the lines with greater consistency. Gavrilova is 2-3 on this North American hard court stretch, but isn’t playing badly; it’s a mental battler with her. She goes missing all too often, which is a shame because she is a great talent. I think the Aussie will edge this one.
Prediction: Gavrilova in 3
Utkarsha:
Gavrilova had an incredible double bagel win in the first round. But, Azarenka is a two-time finalist at US Open and her recent form has been better than Gavrilova as well. Gavrilova has won just two matches since Wimbledon.
Prediction: Azarenka in 3
Yesh:
If Gavrilova really plays as well as in her first match, there are very few women in the field who can beat her. Azarenka at her peak would be one of those, but Azarenka has been a shadow of her former self since her comeback from childbirth and a bitter custody battle.
Prediction. Gavrilova in 2
Anastasija Sevastova vs Claire Liu
Tracey:
Despite her Junior #1 status and her natural talent, 18-year-old Claire Liu will prove no challenge for Latvian Anastasija Sevastova. I expect the crowd will favor Liu, but the rallies will favor Sevastova. Expect to see Sevastova come through in two set–but expect to see some great point from Liu along the way.
Prediction: Sevastova in 2
David:
Latvian Anastasija Sevastova was a quarterfinalist the last two years. She beat Maria Sharapova last year and Johanna Konta the year before.Sevastova brings her A game to Flushing Meadows. Former Wimbledon Juniors champion, Claire Liu had a disastrous grass season, but is finding her ranging and rhythm on hard-courts. Both players had tough three set opening rounds, but Sevastova should have too much in this one.
Prediction: Sevastova in 2
Utkarsha:
Sevastova had a hard-fought victory over Vekic on Monday. Liu is just 18 and needs a lot of experience still.
Prediction: Sevastova in 3
Yesh:
Liu is a future star of the sport, and her Grand Slam breakthrough is coming very soon. It might not be this tournament, but if it isn’t it will be some time next year. It’s happening.
Prediction: Sevastova in 3
Embed from Getty Images
Venus Williams vs Camila Giorgi
Tracey:
Venus will need to improve her serve percentage if she hopes to move on to the third round. A three-set opening round against Kuznetsova will most likely cause a sluggish start. Georgi made quick work of her opening round, in a match which took only 17 games. Venus walked away the winner in their only meeting (2015 Australian Open) and I expect this match will be the same.
Prediction: Venus Williams in 3
David:
If Venus is not dedicating every minute of practice to that serve, then her time at Flushing Meadows will be short. That said, Giorgi has looked a little deliberate of late, but looked sharp against bright American prospect Whitney Osuigwe in round 1. I think the American public will get its Serena vs Venus Round 3 match-up, but only just.
Prediction: Venus Williams in 2
Utkarsha:
Giorgi is one of tennis’ never-ending stories of unfulfilled talent. Venus is a stalwart in the US with the US Open being her second-most successful Grand Slam, but her recent form has been unimpressive. It’ll be an interesting match!
Prediction: Giorgi in 3
Yesh: Giorgi always has the ability to scare anyone. I don’t think she’ll be able to rise to the occasion, though. As long as Venus can stay consistent–no small feat given her age, condition, and the heat–she should edge it out.
Prediction: Venus Williams in 3
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
