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 Madison Keys vs Misaki Doi. Predicting today are myself (Yesh Ginsburg), Tracey Essex, and Brett Margolies.
US Open Day 1 Women’s Predictions
Karolina Pliskova vs Tereza Martincova
Tracey:
Karolina Pliskova will square off against compatriot and qualifier Tereza Martincova. The opener should be an easy win for Pliskova, the #3 seed. It should allow her to build momentum in what should be a deep run for the World #3.
Prediction: Pliskova in 2
Brett:
Pliskova is always one of those players you need to put on upset alert early in Grand Slams. She’s up against fellow Czech player Tereza Martincova, who came through qualifying. I can see Pliskova struggling here, but should be able to get the win.
Prediction: Pliskova in 2
Yesh:
There’s not too much to say about this match. Pliskova is just so much better than her opponent. Expect this to be a good warmup for the Czech here.
Prediction: Pliskova in 2
Eugenie Bouchard vs Anastasija Sevastova
Tracey:
The once-rising star Eugenie Bouchard hasn’t made it past the first round at a tournament since February’s Dubai Open. The Canadian was once one of the most promising young players on the WTA Tour. Now, it seems when Bouchard is mentioned, it has nothing to do with tennis – an unfortunate aspect to this once-promising talent. Against the Latvian veteran, Bouchard would need a powerful and clean performance. Sevastova is not a hard court superstar, but she is the World #12 for a reason – a 26-18 win-loss record for 2019 and one title. I see little chance for the Canadian to trouble the Latvian’s trip to the second round.
Prediction: Sevastova in 2
Brett:
If you’re a Eugenie Bouchard fan, you have to tune in right at the start of the US Open. Otherwise, you might miss seeing her play. Bouchard is first on against a tricky player in Sevastova who’s had success at the US Open in the past. The Canadian has to be low on confidence, coming in on an 11-match losing streak. Sevastova will move on to the second round.
Prediction: Sevastova in 2
Yesh:
Bouchard is in this tournament, which isn’t a given for her anymore. The Canadian has been very consistent at the bigger events this year. She has played well against a superior player, kept it close, but ultimately fell just short at the end. She’s been improving recently, though, and she likes the big venue. I think we could get an upset here.
Prediction: Bouchard in 3
Petra Martic vs Tamara Zidansek
Tracey:
Martic is having a great 2019 and loves the hard courts. From her well-disguised drop shots to her precisely placed up-the-line winners, Martic has a great style to go far in Flushing Meadows. After defeating Zidansek in a come-from-behind win at the Istanbul Cup, Martic will need to remember to be patient against the Slovenian counterpuncher. And, don’t expect a clean, easy win for the Croat either. While Martic obviously learned some lessons, Zidansek will take advantage of any opportunity Martic gives. I expect this one will go the distance, but Martic should come good.
Prediction: Martic in 3
Brett:
Petra Martic is typically a player that performs well at slams, but she’s never really had success in New York. She’s only advanced past the first round twice. Zidansek will be playing in her first match on hard courts this summer which doesn’t bode well for her. I don’t think Martic goes deep at the US Open, but she should get through this one.
Prediction: Martic in 2
Yesh:
Zidansek was a very quiet revelation this year, but that was mostly on the clay. Then again, Martic’s best performances also came on this surface. Expect a surprisingly good match, but I think the favorite will survive it.
Prediction: Martic in 3
Elina Svitolina vs Whitney Osuigwe
Tracey:
Whitney Osuigwe will have the hearts and minds of the rowdy New York crowd behind her. It’ll be a “feel good” moment for the 17-year-old on home soil. But, Osuigwe’s limited experience against one of the game’s top talents is just too big of an ask at this point in the American’s career. I expect big things from the former #1 Junior, but it won’t be this moment. While the Svitolina serve has tendency to go off the rails, her stellar movement and experience give her enough tools to build a win.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Brett:
This is a rough draw for Whitney Osuigwe who I thought could make a run with a good draw. Svitolina has found form throughout the U.S. hard court swing with deep runs in Toronto and Cincinnati. I don’t think she’ll have any problems here.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Yesh:
I really like Osuigwe here. The setting is perfect. She is definitely talented enough. And she has to want to recapture some of the attention that Coco Gauff is eating up. Osuigwe is just as likely to be America’s next top star as Gauff is. Don’t sell her short. Ultimately, though, Svitolina is too good and experienced. She’ll come through in a very tight one.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
