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. Both Williams sisters play on Wednesday. Will they both move on? We’re sharing our thoughts. Each set of predictions contains four matches. In addition to this set, we have three more. One set headlines Iga Swiatek vs Anastasija Sevastova. 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
Shuai Zhang vs Ekaterina Alexandrova
Tracey:
Ekaterina Alexandrova has got to like her chances in this match up. Last month in Toronto, Alexandrova moved through Zhang Shuai in straight sets. There’s really no weapon off the Zhang racquet to make Alexandrova uncomfortable. I expect another straight sets win here.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 2
Jim:
Both Zhang and Alexandrova made light work of their first-round opponents and will surely come into this match full of confidence as a result. But Alexandrova won their only previous meeting, which came this month in fairly similar conditions in Toronto, and looks to be in good position to repeat that victory.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 2
Damian:
Both were equally impressive (and fast) in their opening matches. Alexandrova had a superior US Open tune-up campaign, including beating Shuai Zhang at Toronto, and she can do it again.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 3
Maria Sakkari vs Shuai Peng
Tracey:
Maria Sakkari dominated Camila Giorgi in the first round, losing a single game. Round 2 should be more of the same when Sakkari plays qualifier Peng Shuai. With Sakkari’s power and upping her first serve percentage, Peng will win only a handful of games.
Prediction: Sakkari in 2
Jim:
After destroying Camila Giorgi for the loss of just one game in the first round, Sakkari will surely be full of belief that she can manufacture a deep run in New York. She may not have things all her own way against Peng, however, with the Chinese woman in good shape after coming through the qualifier. Nonetheless, after her first-round display, it is hard to see any outcome other than a Sakkari win.
Prediction: Sakkari in 2
Damian:
It was a great effort to qualify from the 2014 semifinalist Peng but this will be a huge step up in competition. Sakkari lost just one game to Giorgi and can take out practically anyone on her day.
Prediction: Sakkari in 2
Kristina Mladenovic vs Fiona Ferro
Tracey:
Kristina Mladenovic brought in a huge win against the 2016 US Open champion. After losing four of her last five meetings with Angelique Kerber, Mladenovic turned the tide, coming through in a hard-fought three setter. Her confidence should be at an all-time high. Countrywoman Fiona Ferro has been in good form and won her opening round in straight sets. The head to head clearly favors Mladenovic and I see that being extended.
Prediction: Mladenovic in 2
Jim:
Barring the mid-match wobble that saw Mladenovic lose the second set to Angelique Kerber to love, the Frenchwoman will surely be happy with her performance in the first round. Ferro, meanwhile, continues to demonstrate what a bright future she has in the game after dismissing Daria Gavrilova 6-3 6-4 in the first round. But she has lost both her previous clashes with Mladenovic. Expect a similar result this time.
Prediction: Mladenovic in 3
Damian:
Ferro had a good post-Wimbledon clay court campaign but done little on hard to suggest she can repeat that. Mladenovic can be wildly inconsistent with her results but she should capitalize on her great win against Kerber and go at least one more round here.
Prediction: Mladenovic in 2
Venus Williams vs Elina Svitolina
Tracey:
Venus Williams had an exceptional opening round, dropping just a single game. It was a dominant performance. Venus’ clean ballstriking and solid movement were key components in this win. Now Venus will square off against an in-form Elina Svitolina. The Ukrainian has excelled over the past few months – the Wimbledon semifinal and the Rogers Cup quarterfinal. Venus always plays her best at the big tournaments and on American soil. Yet, I simply can’t go against Elina Svitolina who’s been playing so strong.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
Jim:
Williams made a very fast start to her US Open campaign, but so too did Svitolina. The fifth seed will present a huge test for the veteran American, one that she may well struggle to pass. This should be a great match, but ultimately it is hard not to back Svitolina’s consistent accuracy to come out on top.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
Damian:
The first round against Zheng and the Cincinnati quarterfinal run were the first strong matches from Venus in quite some time. The New York crowd will be roaring and maybe they can get her through the line here.
Prediction: Williams in 3
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