We are up to the semifinals of the US Open. It’s crunch time for the top players, as the remaining eight battle for their first Slam title of the season. All three Major winners this year (Caroline Wozniacki, Simona Halep, and Angelique Kerber) have been bounced from the tournament. Two of the women playing on Tuesday (Williams and Stephens) have won a Slam before, and Pliskova has reached a final. We’re here to predict both of these matches for you. Predicting for you today are writers Jack Rossiter-Munler, David Adair, Brett Margolies, and Utkarsha Mitra, along with editor and Yesh Ginsburg.
Panelists Predictions US Open Day 9 Women’s Matches
Sloane Stephens vs Anastasija Sevastova
Brett:
Sloane Stephens is arguably playing the best out of anyone on the women’s side right now. She looks like a different player that’s really embracing the role of defending champion. She struggled against Sevastova last year at the US Open, but she’s just on another level right now.
Prediction: Stephens in 2
Jack:
Sloane Stephens has been playing incredible tennis so far at the US Open. Anastasija Sevastova has scored impressive wins against good players – Donna Vekic, Ekaterina Makarova, and 7th seed Elina Svitolina – but she will have no answer for Stephens’ game. The combination of power hitting, effortless movement, and self-belief that earned Stephens her first Grand Slam title at the Open last year will be on full display as she dismantles Sevastova in straight sets.
Prediction: Stephens in 2
David:
Sevastova is in her third US Open quarterfinal in a row, but has never progressed beyond that stage. What a story it would be if the Latvian who once gave up the game to give tennis lessons for €35 an hour were to make the US Open semis. Unfortunately, it won’t happen. Stephens’ performance against Mertens was a victory of mind over matter for her. She played a patient game, not normally her style, and it’s all falling into place for the defending champ.
Prediction: Stephens in 2
Utkarsha:
Their matchup is the replay of their last year’s US Open quarterfinal which Stephens won 63 36 76(4). This one could be just as good. Stephens has so far looked extremely worthy of being a defending champion. She leads Sevastova 2-1, who will feel confident after a crushing 63 16 60 win over Svitolina.
Prediction: Stephens in 3
Yesh:
Stephens won this matchup last year and has looked better recently. Both players seem somewhat prone to bouts of poor play, so this will come down to who can stay mentally focused better. I’ll trust the defending champion for that.
Prediction: Stephens in 3
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Serena Williams vs Karolina Pliskova
Brett:
This should be a tricky match for Serena against a player in Pliskova who can hit you off the court. She definitely took a step back against Kanepi after playing what many think was her best match since the comeback against Venus. I expect her to get back into dominant form and defeat Pliskova comfortably.
Prediction: Williams in 2
Jack:
Serena Williams won her first set against Kaia Kanepi 6-0. Even more impressively, she lost only 6 points and tallied up 14 winners to just 2 unforced errors. Kanepi played her way back into the match, but the level Williams displayed was devastating. Her trademark power serving and dominance on the baseline will get her the win over 8th seed Karolina Pliskova. Pliskova can always rely on her serve to keep her competative in matches, but I expect Williams win in two competitive sets.
Prediction: Williams in 2
David:
Pliskova hasn’t had a decent Slam run since 2016. However, that run was at the US Open 2016 and it incorporated a victory over a Serena Williams who was in sizzling form. Even the most ardent Serena Williams fan, will struggle to even suggest that her form, especially against Kanepi, is anywhere near her 2016 level. Pliskova has been getting progressively better with each match. Her serve is coming back to its old potency also. Pliskova to edge this one.
Prediction: Pliskova in 3
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Utkarsha:
Pliskova is playing some of her best tennis this week, yet to drop a set. Serena herself hasn’t looked bad either. She did lose a set against Kanepi, but she did serve up a bagel before that. The H2H is 1-1, with Pliskova winning their only US Open matchup 62 75 in 2016 semifinals. This will be an interesting contest.
Prediction: Pliskova in 3
Yesh:
Pliskova has looked more consistent this tournament, but Serena is just the better player. When we get to the end of Slams, it’s always foolish to pick against the 23-time Slam champion.
Prediction: Williams in 3
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