The second round is set to begin at the US Open. That means that we at LWOT will be predicting every single match from here on out. We’re sharing our thoughts. Each set of predictions contains four matches. In addition to this set, we have three more. One set headlines Venus Williams vs Elina Svitolina. Another features Serena Williams vs Caty McNally. And the final one highlights Lauren Davis vs Ashleigh Barty. Predicting today are Tracey Essex, Jim Smith, and Damian Kust.
US Open Day 3 Women’s Predictions
Dayana Yastremska vs Rebecca Peterson
Tracey:
Add one more skill to the Dayana Yastremska toolbox: problem solving. Her first-round match-up against the crafty Romanian Monica Niculescu didn’t derail the young Ukrainian. Yastremska broke down the Niculescu game in pieces and parts demonstrating she has more than just power. While Rebecca Peterson has no doubt been on a roll, it’s going to be a challenge for the Swede to bounce the #32 seed.
Prediction: Yastremska in 3
Jim:
Yastremska is another one of the young guns that demonstrates what good shape the WTA Tour is going to be in over the coming decade. The Ukrainian has real firepower and looks destined for the very top of the game. She did lose her only previous meeting with Peterson, which came last year, in straight sets, but expect her to avenge that defeat in 2019.
Prediction: Yastremska in 3
Damian:
The Ukrainian survived a tricky opening against the slicing Monica Niculescu and she can surely blow Peterson off the court with her insanely powerful groundstrokes.
Prediction: Yastremska in 2
Johanna Konta vs Margarita Gasparyan
Tracey:
Johanna Konta dialed into the big points, leading her to an opening-round win against Russian Daria Kasatkina. The big moments seem to come so easy to the Brit, who’s regaining some form after a slow start on the hard court swing. Margarita Gasparyan is going to challenge Konta, and find ways to make her uncomfortable. I expect another three set bout between the Brit and the Russian, but eventually Konta should come through.
Prediction: Konta in 3
Jim:
The US Open has not been one of Konta’s happiest hunting grounds, but the Briton comes into Flushing Meadows in reasonably good form this year, particularly at the Slams. Her big serve and powerful groundstrokes should serve her well on the hard courts at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre and she negotiated a tough first-round opponent in Daria Kasatkina adroitly. She should feel confident about beating her second Russian in as many matches.
Prediction: Konta in 2
Damian:
Neither of them won a match between Wimbledon and the US Open. Konta was pretty impressive against Kasatkina and is the far more experienced and acclaimed hard court player.
Prediction: Konta in 2
Petra Martic vs Ana Bogdan
Tracey:
Four matches into her US Open bid, Ana Bogdan has yet to drop a set. The Romanian is playing well. But not quite at the level of the #22 seed Petra Martic. The Croat should be able to end Bogdan’s run here.
Prediction: Martic in 2
Jim:
It has been a great year for Martic, one she would surely love to cap off with a good run at the final Major of 2019. And having beaten Bogdan in all three of their previous clashes, including in a hard-fought three setter earlier this year in Istanbul, she looks to be in good shape to reach at least the last 32 in Flushing Meadows.
Prediction: Martic in 3
Damian:
The Croatian lost a set to Bogdan on clay in Istanbul and she might struggle again in New York. The Romanian has already got four matches under her belt and is much more into her rhythm than Martic, who didn’t get a ton of matchplay lately.
Prediction: Bogdan in 3
Iga Swiatek vs Anastasija Sevastova
Tracey:
This match has “upset” written all over it. The young Pole is playing top tier tennis and is learning the art of controlled aggression. It will be an awful lot for Anastasija Sevastova to handle. While Sevastova is in form and has looked good the past few months, I’m not sure she can oust Swiatek. Swiatek’s lightening quick pace and movement with exceptional power should put Sevastova out of touch in this contest.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Jim:
It has been a superb season for Iga Swiatek, highlighted by a run to the fourth round in Paris. But she will be hard pressed to beat the consistent Sevastova, who has played some of the best tennis of her career at the US Open and reached the semifinals last year. Expect the Latvian veteran to prove too strong.
Prediction: Sevastova in 3
Damian:
Highlight of the round here. Sevastova has been to three consecutive US Open quarterfinals while Swiatek played a brilliant match against Jorovic and is developing at a crazy pace. If the Latvian is able to get enough balls back, she might be able to frustrate Swiatek.
Prediction: Sevastova in 3
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