We wrap up the third round at the US Open on Saturday. There are eight women’s matches scheduled for the day, and all promise some great tennis. Will Caroline Wozniacki’s form improve after tough wins? We’re going to predict every match for you. Predicting today are Tracey Essex, Ryan Schick, and Jim Smith. In addition to this article, we also have another set of predictions with the other four matches.
US Open Day 6 Women’s Predictions
Taylor Townsend vs Sorana Cirstea
Tracey:
If you didn’t know much about Taylor Townsend, you probably do now. The American qualifier bounced Simona Halep to earn her first third round appearance at the US Open. The 23-year-old crafted a net rushing strategy, throwing the Romanian off her game and out of the year’s final Slam. No doubt Sorana Cirstea will be surprised with how hard Townsend can thump a forehand. The veteran Romanian hasn’t been to the third round in Flushing Meadows since 2009, but I don’t pick her for seeing the fourth. With Townsend’s confidence high and adding some unexpected strategy, the American move on to the Round of 16.
Prediction: Townsend in 2
Ryan:
After being on the brink of success for seemingly forever, Taylor Townsend pulled off the upset of the tournament over Simona Halep. It is challenging to follow those up but Cirstea has had a poor season. Townsend will continue her success and pull it out.
Prediction: Townsend in 3
Jim:
Simona Halep will surely be heartily sick of the US Open as she was once again bounced out of the tournament early by a lower-ranked opponent playing the match of their lives. The problem for the American now will be the potential let down. A let down that Cirstea, who edged Aliona Bolsova in the second round, has the quality and experience to take full advantage of.
Prediction: Cirstea in 3
Kristie Ahn vs Jelena Ostapenko
Tracey:
Jelena Ostapenko showed some controlled aggression against Alison Riske. Perhaps that’s why the Latvian was able to defeat the in-form Riske. Of course, the double faults mounted and more than a few balls sailed long. But, in the big moments, Ostapenko played smart. Kristie Ahn emerged victorious in their only meeting – a long, hard-fought three set battle in Bogota. If Ostapenko can reign in her unforced errors and play smart in the big points, she’ll level the head to head.
Prediction: Ostapenko in 3
Ryan:
Ostapenko at her best can play with anyone in the world, but she has been painfully inconsistent. Ahn is a grinder who won their only matchup, earlier this year. Ostapenko’s experience will help her and she will win the match.
Prediction: Ostapenko in 2
Jim:
Ahn is enjoying the Grand Slam run of her life at this year’s US Open and will surely approach this match full of confidence after two straight-sets wins to open her campaign. But when Ostapenko in in rhythm, as she looks to be in New York, she is an almost unstoppable force.
Prediction: Ostapenko in 2
Belinda Bencic vs Anett Kontaveit
Tracey:
Belinda Bencic will take one of the most in-form players when she meets Anett Kontaveit. It’s the #21 seed who made a Round of 16 appearance in her maiden US Open a few years ago, only to lose her opening round the next three attempts. The Estonian will look to end the point with aggressive shotmaking. But, Bencic proved in her second round win, that she can be patient, sustain rallies and grind out a win. This should be a three set battle. If Bencic can wait for the right opportunity to pull the trigger, Bencic will move on.
Prediction: Bencic in 3
Ryan:
Bencic-Kontaveit
Probably the most even match of the round. Both players are top 20 and are facing off for the first time. Bencic has had a resurgent year, but Kontaveit will hold her own, especially on hard courts. Bencic is the slightly better player and will win a close one.
Prediction: Bencic in 3
Jim:
This is a tough one to call. Both women have made good starts to their US Open campaigns and both undoubtedly have the quality to win this match, which is their first meeting. Ultimately, it could well come down to who is feeling better out on court, but Bencic does perhaps possess that “x-factor” that Kontaveit lacks and that might just prove the difference.
Prediction: Bencic in 3
Caroline Wozniacki vs Bianca Andreescu
Tracey:
Caroline Wozniacki was challenged mightily in her last two matches. Yet, the Dane has found a way to push through the decider for two back-to-back three set wins. But there are still shortcomings to the #19 seed’s level which Bianca Andreescu will certainly expose. Wozniacki will retrieve a lot of the Canadian’s balls but eventually Andreescu will find a way to end the point. There’s just too much variety in the teen’s game and she’s shown us how difficult it is to exit her when she’s healthy.
Prediction: Andreescu in 3
Ryan:
This match should be incredible. Wozniacki is the big name, but Andreescu is a stunning 40-4 this year including the US Open, winning Premier titles at Indian Wells and Toronto. Wozniacki is an excellent hard court player, but the young Canadian has simply been too impressive this year and will continue a legitimate run at the title.
Prediction: Andreescu in 2
Jim:
Wozniacki may not be able to find her best tennis at the moment, but she certainly does not lack heart as she rallied from a set down for the second match in a row to beat Danielle Collins. But Andreescu has proven herself quite the battler as well. And at the moment, the Canadian is unquestionably also playing the better tennis.
Prediction: Andreescu in 3
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