We’re at the third round of the US Open, and the much-anticipated matchup between the Williams sisters is upon us. This will be their 30th match against each other, over 20 years since their first one. On top of that, there are a bunch of other great women’s matches on the day. As always, we’re here to predict the five best for you. Predicting today are writers Nurein Ahmed, Tracey Essex, and Jay Sandhu, along with editor Yesh Ginsburg.

Panelists Predictions US Open Day 5 Women’s Matches

Sloane Stephens vs Victoria Azarenka

Nurein:
It is hard to believe this is just a third round match! Both players know what it is like to triumph at the big stage. Azarenka was dominant in their head to head earlier on when she was at the peak of her powers. But now the tables have been reversed, and Stephens is owning the Belorussian with two fantastic victories earlier this year. Azarenka is the underdog here and rightly so. There should be fireworks in this one. I can see three sets, and I think Stephens will be a tad too good.
Prediction: Stephens in 3
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Jay:
Stephens showed her grit after coming through such a difficult encounter in her last match, and this doesn’t seem much easier. Azarenka looks like she is in red hot form after losing just 3 games to Gavrilova and I doubt she will allow herself to lose 3 times in a row to Stephens. I believe Azarenka will pull off the upset, but it will be very close.
Prediction: Azarenka in 3

Tracey:
Sloane Stephens’ ability to win with less than top notch play is key factor in deciding the winner of this match. Azarenka is still trying to find herself and though she throws in a great performance here and there, it won’t be enough to get past the reigning US Open champion. Make no mistake, the rallies will be long and the set scores will be tight, but Stephens will come through.
Prediction: Stephens in 2

Yesh:
Stephens has struggled a bit so far this tournament, and Azarenka looked otherworldly in her last match. It’s hard to see Stephens mounting a challenge based on her current form, but she is the defending champion for a reason. She can always improve her level at the drop of a hat.
Prediction: Azarenka in 2
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Ashleigh Barty vs Karolina Muchova

Nurein:
For me this should be an easy ride for Ash Barty. Take nothing away from Muchova’s brilliant win over Muguruza, but lets be honest here, the Spaniard was in terrible form and definitely came to the tournament unfit. Barty is more accomplished, experienced and in better form than the Czech.
Prediction: Barty in 2

Jay:
Barty is a player who wins matches that she should win, so this seems pretty easy for her. Muchova will be high on confidence after beating Muguruza, but looking at the Spaniard’s recent form, the upset didn’t seem much of a surprise. The Czech has had a good run but I doubt she could bear Barty.
Prediction: Barty in 2

Tracey:
The hallmarks of this match will be athleticism and stellar shot selection. Barty’s experience will require some adjustments for Muchova. But we saw what she did against Muguruza and I suspect she’ll do it again with Barty. The Czech’s style of play won’t allow Barty much opportunity. A contest? Absolutely. But, I see Muchova moving on in three.
Prediction: Muchova in 3

Yesh:
Muchova played absolutely incredible tennis to upset Garbine Muguruza. Honestly, watching that match just makes you wonder how Muchova hasn’t been winning WTA matches consistently. If she plays that well again, she should win this match too. For someone outside the Top 200, though, that’s a tough if to trust.
Prediction: Barty in 2
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Barbora Strycova vs Elise Mertens

Nurein:
Mertens is slowly earning the reputation as one of the most consistent players on WTA tour. When you are young and you got the legs, you really need to make the most of it. That is exactly what the Belgian has done/doing. She has played in numerous tournaments and If I’m not mistaken has joint most titles this year in WTA singles competition, and is in contention to qualify in Singapore in both singles and doubles. Barbora Strycova can barely win a match this year, and I will be shocked if she manages to win this one.
Prediction: Mertens in 2

Jay:
Strycova is a player who can beat everyone ranked below her, but just doesn’t have the weapons to pull off any upsets. Mertens is on good form at the moment, and as long as she tries to play aggressively, she should win quite easily.
Prediction: Mertens in 2

Tracey:
Two very gifted doubles players will make for an interesting singles match-up. Both with attacking styles and solid net play will create some tricky and interesting points. New York has seen brutal temperatures and Mertens’ youth and athleticism will definitely give her the edge against Strycova.
Prediction: Mertens in 2

Yesh:
Mertens has very quietly become one of the better players on tour. She probably doesn’t have the top-level talent to beat the best in the world match after match–so actually winning a Slam would probably take some luck or losses by other top players–but she definitely has enough to take care of Strycova here.
Prediction: Mertens in 2
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Anastasija Sevastova vs Ekaterina Makarova

Nurein:
I don’t know how much Makarova has left in the tank. She reached the quarterfinals in New Haven last week, she is playing doubles at US Open and had to fend off multiple set points to knock out Julia Goerges. But the head to head record makes for pretty interesting reading if you are siding with the Russian. She has beaten Sevastova in all their three matches. The Latvian just doesn’t possess the weapons to neutralize the Makarova’s groundstrokes, especially the cross court forehand. This could end very quickly.
Prediction: Makarova in 2

Jay:
Makarova and Sevastova have completely different playing styles – Makarova is a hard hitter from the baseline, while Sevastova plays with so much variety and freedom. It will make an interesting encounter as both players have a good record in New York, but I feel Sevastova has a slight edge as her game just works well to annoy players like Makarova. She will also be prepared as she faced a similar opponent in Vekic in the first round.
Prediction: Sevastova in 3
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Tracey:
Very hard to predict, this is a near toss up match. It took Sevastova only 16 games to take out American Claire Liu, and it took Makarova only 22 games to eliminate Julia Goerges. While Makarova has won three of their four meet-ups, I’d give the edge to Sevastova who’s converting nearly 65% of break point opportunities and is on her game.
Prediction: Sevastova in 3

Yesh:
You’d think that this matchup favors Sevastova, but the results haven’t borne that our. She has never beaten Makarova. After seeing how Makarova take out Goerges, I don’t see that changing.
Prediction: Makarova in 3
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Venus Williams vs Serena Williams

Nurein:
This could be one of the last Grand Slam tournaments for Venus Williams, and potentially the last meeting between the two sisters in a Major. Serena has not been great in spite of winning her two rounds convincingly. I like Venus’ chances to be honest. Serena is very vulnerable at this point, and something tells me, this could be Venus Williams’ farewell finishing in a bang.
Prediction: Venus Williams in 2
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Jay:
Although Venus hasn’t had the best year, she has been very impressive in her first matches which appeared very difficult. Things look bright for her as she won the siblings’ last meeting earlier this year. However, Serena is playing so much better than in their last meeting, and has a very good record against her older sister. I see Serena as the clear favourite for this match
Prediction: Serena Williams in 2

Tracey:
This third-round matchup will feel like a final when Serena and Venus meet tomorrow. Venus’ form started sluggish but is improving markedly, and the chinks in Serena’s armor are fading away. You can expect a great match between two players who know each other’s game so well. It’ll be tight, but Serena will be moving on.
Prediction: Serena Williams in 2

Yesh:
Honestly, Venus looks like the better player at this point. She has handled the heat better than her younger sister, though conditions should be somewhat cooler by Friday night, when this match almost certainly would be. Still, Serena has been a bit out of sorts since Wimbledon, so if Venus wants to pick up one more huge win in this rivalry, this is her chance.
Prediction: Venus Williams in 3

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