Tuesday at the US Open wraps up the first round. Who will survive their first challenge on the path towards Major glory? 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 Aryna Sabalenka vs Victoria Azarenka. Predicting today are Tracey Essex, David Gertler, and myself (Yesh Ginsburg).
US Open Day 2 Women’s Predictions
Alize Cornet vs Jessica Pegula
Tracey:
It simply hasn’t been a great year for France’s Alize Cornet. Seeded seventh in Cincinnati, Cornet lost her opener to Germany’s Andrea Petkovic. Alongside doubles specialist Kristina Mladenovic, the French pair lost in the quarterfinals. In fact, Cornet is finding difficulty winning three consecutive matches. In New York, Cornet will square off against the newly minted Washington Open champion. I think Pegula should find a way through the Frenchwoman, spurred on by thousands of fans.
Prediction: Pegula in 3
David:
Pegula picked up her first career title this summer hard court season, winning the WTA tournament in Washington. Cornet is known for her fighting spirit and ability to stay in rallies. While Pegula did well to win that title in Washington, I doubt she will play with the controlled aggression necessary to beat Cornet. While Pegula might be able to hit through Cornet for a set, doing that over the course of two sets is a different story. Cornet moves on.
Prediction: Cornet in 3
Yesh:
Pegula is in much better form right now. She picked up the biggest title of her career less than a month ago, and she loves it on her home soil. Cornet has been inconsistent lately, and the New York crowd will ensure that continues.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Francesca Di Lorenzo vs Veronika Kudermetova
Tracey:
Francesca Di Lorenzo gained some recognition when she beat Croatia’s Petra Martic in straight sets. Then, Kiki Bertens sent the young American packing. At the Bronx Open, Di Lorenzo lost in the qualies. There’s definitely talent there, but perhaps not enough experience to get past World #51 Veronika Kudermetova. Since Kudermetova isn’t in the best form, expect Di Lorenzo to push the Russian and grab a set.
Prediction: Kudermetova in 3
David:
This battle of 22-year-olds will be tight. Kudermetova is having a good season, while Di Lorenzo played well in Toronto and will have the home crowd behind her. Kudermetova’s has been the better player throughout the season, however, and that’s why I think that she will pull this match out, although it will be tight.
Prediction: Kudermetova in 3
Yesh:
How can I pick against Di Lorenzo? She’s got a huge snub by not being given a wild card in Cincinnati, but the US Open made up for that. She will take full advantage of an opponent who hasn’t been so consistent recently. Don’t be surprised by Di Lorenzo’s power on serve. It’s there, and her game builds around it.
Prediction: Di Lorenzo in 3
Bianca Andreescu vs Katie Volynets
Tracey:
I really can’t quite figure out why Bianca Andreescu plays so many three setters. With penetrating groundstrokes, crafty dropshots, exceptional variety and strong service, it seems she should win more matches in straight sets. And consider this – Andreescu is #3 on the WTA tour for return points won, behind proficient defenders Simona Halep and Marketa Vondrousova. While three sets seems to be the norm for the Rogers Cup champion, I think she’ll take her opener in two.
Prediction: Andreescu in 2
David:
Andreescu, the Toronto champion, takes on American wild card Volynets. Andreescu showed great mental resolve and variety in her game when winning Toronto in her return from injury. The Canadian plays at a level Volynets has probably never seen before and I don’t think this one will be close. Andreescu wins.
Prediction: Andreescu in 2
Yesh:
When Andreescu is healthy, she’s nearly-unbeatable, especially on hard courts. She somehow likes to give away a set, but I don’t see that happening in this match.
Prediction: Andreescu in 2
Naomi Osaka vs Anna Blinkova
Tracey:
The knee injury suffered during the Western & Southern Open has hopefully healed enough to give Naomi Osaka a fighting chance to defend her US Open title. It’s been up and down for the Japanese superstar. Unforced errors and an errant serve have dogged her the last few months. I’m still not sure what to expect from Osaka, but Anna Blinkova has neither the weapons nor the experience to challenge. While the 20-year-old should be confident coming off a quarterfinal run at the Bronx Open, Blinkova has never beaten a Top 10 player. If Osaka’s knee is fully recovered, it’s a straight sets win. If the knee has some lingering pain, Osaka will win in the decider.
Prediction: Osaka in 2
David:
Osaka is the defending champion, so she clearly feels comfortable on these courts. However, this is only the second time in her career defending a WTA-level higher or bigger. While Blinkova is a solid player, Osaka should be able to hit through her and secure her place in the second round. Osaka wins.
Prediction: Osaka in 2
Yesh:
As long as Osaka is healthy, she should cruise in this. Blinkova is decent and can keep it close against most players, but not against the elite. And Osaka is elite.
Prediction: Osaka in 2
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