Tuesday at the US Open wraps up the first round. Who will move on to see the second? We’re here to predict as many matches as we can for you. In addition to this article (which contains four matches), we have three more sets of predictions. One features Coco Gauff vs Anastasia Potapova; the second headlines Danielle Collins vs Polona Hercog; and the third highlights Naomi Osaka vs Anna Blinkova. Predicting today are Tracey Essex, Eric Han, and Jim Smith.
US Open Day 2 Women’s Predictions
Yulia Putintseva vs Madison Brengle
Tracey:
It’s always hard to play an American at the US Open. The boisterous crowd loves to throw their support behind their countrymen. Madison Brengle will certainly be uplifted by that, but Yulia Putintseva is the stronger, more consistent player.
Prediction: Putintseva in 3
Eric:
Putintseva is always a dangerous player in any draw. If she plays well, it will be difficult to stop her. Even though Brengle will get the home support, Putintseva has been more consistent throughout the year.
Prediction: Putintseva in 3
Jim:
Putintseva may be ranked significantly higher than Brengle, but the Kazakh has never looked particularly comfortable on the hard courts of North America. She has just two wins at the US Open and looks set to be in for a struggle against Brengle, who is in good form after winning an ITF event last week. Backed by the home crowd and buoyed by her good form, expect the American to take this one.
Prediction: Brengle in 3
Sloane Stephens vs Anna Kalinskaya
Tracey:
Reuniting with Kamau Murray should be the boost Sloane Stephens needs to regain confidence and start playing the level of which she’s capable. Perhaps Murray’s magic wand can make the eye rolling, shoulder slumping, and overhitting disappear. If that’s the case, Stephens will have a deep run in Flushing Meadows. The American has always had the talent and it’s probable that Murray will bring out Stephens’ best. It’s an unfortunate draw for Anna Kalinskaya who’s very talented but relatively inexperienced. We’ll certainly see more of the 20-year-old Russian–just not at the US Open this year.
Prediction: Stephens in 2
Eric:
Even though Stephens has not had a good lead up to the US Open this year, she has recently partnered up with her old coach, Kamau Murray. She should regain some of her old form with his guidance and advance thorough.
Prediction: Stephens in 2
Jim:
Stephens’ 2017 US Open triumph feels rather a long time ago now. The American did reach go on to reach the French Open final and win the Miami Open in 2018, but other successes have been few and far between. Nonetheless, she has played some good tennis this year and she remains one of the best athletes and ball-strikers on tour. She seems certain to prove too strong for Kalinskaya.
Prediction: Stephens in 2
Petra Kvitova vs Denisa Allertova
Tracey:
Petra Kvitova comes into the US Open as the #6 seed, and it will take some mighty strong talent to take out the Czech. Kvitova has had some injury issues but should be fully fit for this Slam. Denisa Allertova had a solid qualifying run to get to the main draw. Yet, Allertova’s experience is squarely on the ITF circuit where she’s finding moderate success. The US Open against countrywoman Petra Kvitova is simply outside her skill and experience level at this time.
Prediction: Kvitova in 2
Eric:
The US Open has arguably been Kvitova’s least successful Grand Slam. But despite this, the first round the Czech should cruise through and is a favorite to reach the second week here.
Prediction: Kvitova in 2
Jim:
Kvitova is another player who has struggled to deliver her best in New York with two quarterfinal showings her best performances at the US Open to date. And this year she comes into the tournament with very little match play on the hard courts, with her only outing since Wimbledon a second-round loss in Cincinnati to Maria Sakkari. Allertova, in contrast, should be more than ready after an impressive run through the qualifying. Mark this one down as a potential upset.
Prediction: Allertova in 3
Aryna Sabalenka vs Victoria Azarenka
Tracey:
This is a great opportunity for the player who can up her first serve percentage and reduce her unforced errors. Both Aryna Sabalenka and Victoria Azarenka throw in far too many double faults with their questionable serves. It’s Azarenka who’s shown a bit more control on her groundstrokes, reining in the unforced errors. Sabalenka continues to hit big regardless of the situation. It’s really a flip of the coin as to who’ll be finding the lines, who’ll be commanding with their serve. I’ll go with Azarenka who can fight to the very end, especially when she’s contesting at a Slam.
Prediction: Azarenka in 3
Eric:
It will be an interesting match. But Azarenka is no longer the player she once was and has been lacking match play this year. Her younger compatriot, Sabalenka, should advance through eventually based on this.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 3
Jim:
This is surely amongst the pick of the first-round action. Sabalenka has had a difficult year, but if she can find her best tennis in New York she will take some stopping. Azarenka has also had her fair share of struggles this season. But Sabalenka looked to have found the beginnings of some form in Cincinnati and the conditions at the US Open should suit her big-hitting style.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 3
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