The US Open is here! 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 Sofia Kenin vs Coco Vandeweghe. And the fourth features Elina Svitolina vs Whitney Osuigwe. Predicting today are myself (Yesh Ginsburg), Tracey Essex, and Harsh Bhoot.
US Open Day 1 Women’s Predictions
Monica Puig vs Rebecca Peterson
Tracey:
No doubt Monica Puig is still reeling from surprise of Kamau Murray returning to Sloane Stephens; coaching corner. The Puerto Rican had made some nice improvements under his guidance. Serbian Dusan Vemic will coach Puig in New York and perhaps the change will do Puig some good. No doubt, Rebecca Peterson will be a huge challenge for the Gold Medalist. The Swede turned in a nice performance at the Western & Southern Open, reaching the Round of 16 before falling to World #3 Karolina Pliskova in a tough three-setter. That confidence may be the intangible that sees the Swede to the second round.
Prediction: Peterson in 3
Harsh:
A tough one to predict but Rebecca Peterson looks slightly better positioned to edge this one. The Swede has had a better 2019 and a better season since Wimbledon. Monica Puig has looked out of sorts since Wimbledon and has a tough ask to better her second round showing last year.
Prediction: Peterson in 3
Yesh:
Peterson has been solid for most of the year, while nothing special. Puig, meanwhile, has all the potential in the world, yet still also has somehow managed to do nothing special at the Majors or on Tour. She’ll always have that Olympic Gold Medal–no one can ever take that from her–but it’s still shocking that she hasn’t replicated that on the sport’s biggest stage. She should have enough to win this match, though.
Prediction: Puig in 3
Aliaksandra Sasnovich vs Jennifer Brady
Tracey:
Jennifer Brady has 23-11 win-loss hard court record – all in all, a pretty good stat. Combine that with the enthusiasm of the New York crowd squarely behind their American, and Brady should be poised for a first round win. Aliaksandra Sasnovich may sit 20 spots higher than Brady. But, she’ll soon find out how hard it is to beat a motivated American in the Big Apple.
Prediction: Brady in 2
Harsh:
The pair take on each other for the first time. Aliaksandra Sasnovich hasn’t had a particularly good 2019, winning fewer matches than she’s lost. Jennifer Brady hasn’t had a good run since Wimbledon but has had a better 2019, winning 30 of her 49 matches so far. With the crowd on her side, Brady looks likely to eke this one out.
Prediction: Brady in 3
Yesh:
Sasnovich was really struggling this year, but seems to have gotten past that in recent weeks. Still, beating Brady in front of a raucous US Open crowd is a very difficult ask. I think she’ll lose her confidence, and the match will get away from her, even if it’s tight early.
Prediction: Brady in 3
Caty McNally vs Timea Bacsinszky
Tracey:
One of the most notable among the crop of young tennis talent, Caty McNally received a wild card spot in the main draw. Interestingly, she and Coco Gauff got a wild card for doubles. The 17-year-old American is one of the fans’ favorites. That will certainly help this rising young powerhouse when she squares off against Timea Bacsinszky. And, McNally already knows the Bacsinszky game, having chalked up a win against the Swiss veteran. The rowdy New York crowd should bring out McNally’s best, and that should be enough.
Prediction: McNally in 2
Harsh:
Caty McNally is only 17 years old but on her home turf, she’d be eager to put up a good showing. Her opponent is Timea Bacsinszky, who she’s already beaten earlier this year at Indian Wells. Bacsinszky has a win percentage of less than 50% this year while McNally has had a breakthrough year. McNally should be the one winning this.
Prediction: McNally in 2
Yesh:
McNally was disappointing two weeks ago in her home tournament in Cincinnati. It’s always hard to expect too much of young players. Still, I think she’ll be okay, considering she upset Bacsinszky earlier this year in Indian Wells.
Prediction: McNally in 3
Madison Keys vs Misaki Doi
Tracey:
Madison Keys is playing much smarter. She’s always had incredible power and blistering serve. Now, the Cincinnati Open titleholder seems to have found patience and control. Going for the right shot at the right time led her to the win. And, if Keys keeps that focus, I see her as a true contender for this title.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Harsh:
Madison Keys looks just too strong for Misaki Doi. The Cincinnati winner has an easy first round and should move forward without any mishaps.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Yesh:
Madison Keys has had an on-and-off year, but she is in great form right now. She just won Cincinnati, and should have a deep run at the US Open. Doi won’t be able to stop her.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
