The US Open is finally 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 Elina Svitolina vs Whitney Osuigwe. Another headlines Saisai Zheng vs Venus Williams. The third highlights Sofia Kenin vs Coco Vandeweghe. 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
Angelique Kerber vs Kristina Mladenovic
Tracey:
It what can only be called a dismal slump, Angelique Kerber meets Kristina Mladenovic in a first round clash. In her lead up to the US Open, Kerber didn’t fare well. The struggling German lost to Daria Kasatkina in three sets at the Rogers Cup. A week later, Kerber was beaten by Anett Kontaveit in straight sets at the Western & Southern Open. Yet, the former US Open champion seems to rise to the occasion at Slams. Kristina Mladenovic has first round exits in Toronto and Cincinnati. The tremendous success the Frenchwoman has had on the doubles courts continues to elude her in singles. And, regardless of the Kerber slump, Mladenovic routinely falls to the erratic German.
Prediction: Kerber in 2
Harsh:
Angelique Kerber and Kristina Mladenovic take on each other for the very first time at a Major. Neither of the players has had a great 2019 in the singles arena. Kerber would be anxious to put up a better showing at the last Major of the year but looks unlikely as she’s yet to win a match since Wimbledon. However, Mladenovic also hasn’t looked strong this year with a win-loss of 21-20 and a first-round match against Kerber should prove a task too tough for her.
Prediction: Kerber in 3
Yesh:
Kerber can’t find any form right now. Luckily for her, she found a matchup that she should win no matter what. If the former World #1 loses this match, she will need some serious time off to fix her game.
Prediction: Kerber in 2
Shuai Zhang vs Viktorija Golubic
Tracey:
Zhang Shuai earned the #33 seed when Czech Marketa Vondrousova withdrew with a wrist injury. Zhang will meet Switzerland’s Viktorija Golubic in her opener. The veteran Chinese hasn’t had a good run up to the US Open, with first round losses in San Jose and Cincinnati. Coming through qualifiers in Toronto, Zhang reached the second round where she was bounced by Ekaterina Alexandrova in straight sets. The seeding change was certainly favorable for Zhang who escaped an opening round clash with Germany’s Laura Siegemund. Zhang should like her chances against the Swiss. Golubic’s only lead up tournament was Cincinnati, where the 26-year-old lost in qualies.
Prediction: Zhang in 2
Harsh:
Zhang Shuai had a great Wimbledon but she’s whittled off since. She takes on Viktorija Golubic, who’d be much happier not having to face Marketa Vondrousova, who withdrew with a wrist injury. The pair have met before, at Wimbledon in 2017, with Golubic winning. This one is tough to call but based on recent form I’m siding with Golubic.
Prediction: Golubic in 3
Yesh:
Can Zhang take advantage of being seeded here? She is usually decent on hard courts, though the results haven’t come this year. Golubic, meanwhile, hasn’t done anything on hard courts this year, so Zhang looks solid.
Prediction: Zhang in 2
Caroline Garcia vs Ons Jabeur
Tracey:
Caroline Garcia has not impressed on the North American hard court swing. Opening round losses in Cincinnati and Toronto leave the Frenchwoman still searching for a win. Garcia enjoyed several great runs, including a title in Nottingham during the clay and grass tournaments. But, it’s been a bit of a hard court drought for Garcia who’s reached no better than the Round of 16 in 2019. Ons Jabeur also did well in Nottingham, reaching the semifinals, though found little to no success on the North American hard courts. I doubt that either Garcia or Jabeur can go deep in this tournament, but expect Garcia will live to fight another day.
Prediction: Garcia in 2
Harsh:
Caroline Garcia is yet to make her Grand Slam breakthrough, having never made it past the third round here. Her first-round opponent is Ons Jabeur from Tunisia. The Tunisian is very capable on her day but her best results have come on clay. Expect the 27th seed to win in their first meeting but it won’t come easy.
Prediction: Garcia in 3
Yesh:
Garcia is a better player, but her form is really hit or miss right now. Jabeur, meanwhile, is just a pretty solid player. She’s not as good as Garcia, but the Tunisian is definitely good enough to take advantage if Garcia struggles.
Prediction: Jabeur in 3
Serena Williams vs Maria Sharapova
Tracey:
A long-standing rivalry between American legend Serena Williams and Russian superstar Maria Sharapova looks very one-sided. In 21 meetings, Serena has come away the victor 19 times. A finalist in Wimbledon and Toronto, Serena is regaining her champion form. When she’s focused and dialed-in, it’s hard to deny her. Look for a straight sets win from the 23-time Grand Slam champion – who’s hoping the US Open brings her the elusive #24.
Prediction: Williams in 2
Harsh:
As far as first-round matches go, it can’t get any bigger than this. Two titans of the game square off for the very first time at the US Open. Serena Williams looked good in Toronto, making the final, and should be eyeing win number 20 over her rival. Maria Sharapova is 8-6 this year and hasn’t had any sort of momentum to bank on. While this match is the most hyped going into this year’s US Open, it should be one-sided.
Prediction: Williams in 2
Yesh:
Neither player has been fully healthy recently. If both were healthy, the obvious pick would be Serena. She just dominates this rivalry. Since we don’t know who’s healthy, anyone can win. Still, without knowing that Serena can’t compete, you have to pick her.
Prediction: Williams in 2
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
