The US Open has arrived! It’s the end of the 2019 Grand Slam season. Who will take home the trophy in New York? To start, we have to see who will win on Day 1. We’re here to predict as many matches as we can for you. In addition to this article, we also have four more sets of predictions. One features Serena Williams vs Maria Sharapova. Another headlines Saisai Zheng vs Venus Williams. The third highlights Elina Svitolina vs Whitney Osuigwe. And the fourth features Madison Keys vs Misaki Doi. Predicting today are myself (Yesh Ginsburg), Tracey Essex, and Harsh Bhoot.
US Open Day 1 Women’s Predictions
Monica Niculescu vs Dayana Yastremska
Tracey:
What a difference a year makes. Yastremska struggled to make the main draw at last year’s US Open, then was easily exited in her opener. Now, she has won three titles and is ranked World #32. The Ukrainian has compiled a 34-17 record on the tour and should be considered a threat to any player. The biggest challenge the 19-year-old has is finding consistency in her serve. Sure, Yastremska can frequently blast in those aces. Yet, she ranks #3 on tour for double faults. Niculescu is known for her slice and dice style which may stymie Yastremska at the onset. But, the Ukrainian’s aggressive game should benefit from the hot hard courts in New York.
Prediction: Yastremska in 2
Harsh:
Monica Niculescu plays her first singles match since Wimbledon and it’s going to be a tough one against the young Ukranian Dayana Yastremska. Yastremska looks to be the stronger player on paper and a good chance she’ll be the one dictating play in their first meeting and moving to the second round.
Prediction: Yastremska in 2
Yesh:
Yastremska is absolutely flourishing this year. She made her breakthrough and isn’t looking back. This young player will be competing for Slam titles, and soon. She won’t lose here.
Prediction: Yastremska in 2
Johanna Konta vs Daria Kasatkina
Tracey:
It’s been more than five months since Johanna Konta won a hard court match. The fabulous form the Brit displayed during the clay and grass court season has failed to materialize during the North American hard court swing. Not reassuring going into the final Slam of the year. Across the net, Daria Kasatkina is on an upswing, finding small successes and pulling out wins. It’s concerning that the Russian has a lot of shape on her balls which will land nicely into the Brit’s strike zone. Kasatkina should be able to counter than with her amazing ability to problem solve and her solid defensive skills. I think Kasatkina will cause one of the tournament’s first upsets against a slumping Konta.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 3
Harsh:
The 16th seed Jo Konta won’t be feeling particularly confident drawing Daria Kasatkina in the first round. Konta hasn’t played her best tennis since her quarterfinal run at Wimbledon losing in the first round of both tournaments after. Kasatkina has had middling results so far in 2019 but she’s a former top 10 player and may very well cause plenty of headaches for Konta.
Yesh:
Honestly, Kasatkina is just too inconsistent for me to ever pick her. Her serve is a tremendous liability. On top of that, Konta is a superior player overall. She hasn’t really found that form since Wimbledon, but I think the Brit will find her way through this match.
Prediction: Konta in 2
Zarina Diyas vs Ashleigh Barty
Tracey:
Zarina Diyas got an unfortunate draw, starting her campaign against the second seed. While Diyas has had moderate success in 2019, she hasn’t yet met those big expectations. Ashleigh Barty has been in outstanding form. The Aussie can pinpoint an opponent’s weakness and exploit it. With such stellar shotmaking and variety to her game, Barty will craft a strategy that makes Diyas very uncomfortable for two sets.
Prediction: Barty in 2
Harsh:
Ashleigh Barty, the 2019 French Open champion, has struggled since Birmingham. Her first-round opponent, Zarina Diyas, is 30-20 (win-loss) this year but her recent form hasn’t been good. The pair met way back in 2013 which should have little bearing on this match. Diyas is capable of playing well enough to be competitive but not to cause an upset.
Prediction: Barty in 2
Yesh:
Diyas has some good wins this year, but she has nowhere near the level needed to take out Barty. Barty hasn’t quite been perfect since June, but she’s still way too good.
Prediction: Barty in 2
Sofia Kenin vs Coco Vandeweghe
Tracey:
Sofia Kenin is certainly one of the tour’s most aggressive players. Winning two titles and reaching a career high of World #22 shows what this 20-year-old is capable of. However, Kenin seems to struggle against the biggest hitters. Perhaps moving back on the return of serve would leave her less vulnerable to aces, which Coco can produce in spades. Returning from injury, Vandeweghe hasn’t quite stabilized her serve to get it to its devastating potential. Sure, she has some great service games but when the serve if off, it’s really off. I don’t see Coco being ready to truly challenge a court commanding Kenin.
Prediction: Kenin in 2
Harsh:
It’s an all American clash first up but the match won’t likely be a tight one. Sofia Kenin has been in fine form since Wimbledon and should be the one going forward. CoCo Vandeweghe, on the other hand, is coming off a 10-month injury layoff and is yet to hit top form. Expect Kenin to progress.
Prediction: Kenin in 2
Yesh:
Kenin is powerful and talented. Vandeweghe, on the other hand, is slowly making her comeback. Vandeweghe is talented enough to be where Kenin is now if she were healthy. What will happen between these two at the US Open? I honestly have no idea, but I’m really excited to find out.
Prediction: Vandeweghe in 3
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
