Just 16 women remain in contention at the US Open. Eight of those players will do battle on Sunday for a place in the quarterfinals and here at LWOT we are offering predictions for all four of the matches, which includes a mouth-watering clash between Madison Keys and Elina Svitolina, as well as Serena Williams battle with the in-form Petra Martic. Offering their picks for Sunday’s clashes are Tracey Essex, and Jim Smith.
US Open Day Seven Predictions
Madison Keys vs Elina Svitolina
Tracey: The easy power for which Madison Keys is known now has an added element – control. The aggressive, hard hitter is no longer racking up unforced errors. The American is waiting for the right ball to pull the trigger and that makes her nearly unbeatable. Elina Svitolina has been strong at this tournament and it’s impressive that the Ukrainian hasn’t dropped a set yet and wasn’t threatened by Dayana Yastremska’s power. But I see a focused Madison Keys being too much for the fifth seed.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Jim: This should be a superb match. Both women have made terrific starts to their US Open campaigns, with Svitolina delivering one of her best performances in recent years to beat her compatriot Dayana Yastremska 6-2 6-0. Keys, meanwhile, won an all-American battle with Sofia Kenin, though she was perhaps fortunate that the younger woman was so profligate with her break-point chances. Svitolina does not look like she will be in such a forgiving mood.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
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Johanna Konta vs Karolina Pliskova
Tracey: When Karolina Pliskova is focused and executing her shots, she can beat anyone. It’s those lapses which continue to cost her game, sets and matches. The Czech was pushed to a decider in her third round clash against Ons Jabeur, thanks to a second set let down. Against an in-form Johanna Konta, Pliskova can’t afford such a lapse. The Brit has dropped only six games in her last two matches which should cause Pliskova some concern. Perhaps that’s the wake up call Pliskova needs, as any lapse will be punished by Britain’s #1. Expect the Czech to come out sharp, and using that big serve to bounce the Brit.
Prediction: Pliskova in 2
Jim: This is another clash that is almost too close to call. Pliskova may be the higher ranked player, but she has not made the most convincing of starts to her US Open campaign. Konta, in contrast, is having a great season and has been electric so far in New York, particularly in her last two matches, as she has dropped just six games in total. Pliskova will, of course, be a real step up in quality, but it is one the Briton looks to be in good shape to make.
Prediction: Konta in 3
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Serena Williams vs Petra Martic
Tracey: There’s a reason why Serena Williams is a 23-time Slam champion. She is the most dominating server in the game. But, there’s also a reason why the American superstar hasn’t yet found her 24th title. Double faults and unforced errors can creep into Serena’s game, opening the door for her opponents. Against Petra Martic, an in-form player who’s dominated her last two matches, Serena will need to come out focused and firing. But when Serena is determined and playing to win, winning is almost always exactly what she does.
Prediction: Williams in 2
Jim: Barring the first set of her second-round clash with Caty McNally, Williams has looked impressive indeed so far at the US Open. I still have reservations about the likelihood of her winning the title, but she is certainly looking back to something to approaching her best. And whilst Martic has had a great season, she looks ill-prepared to contend with the power of Williams.
Prediction: Williams in 2
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Wang Qiang vs Ash Barty
Tracey: Ashleigh Barty is simply too strong for most opponents. The second seed dominated her third-round match against Maria Sakkari. What most expected to be a tough encounter for Barty was anything but, as Barty’s slice forced so many errors leaving the Grecian with no answers. Wang Qiang has played well to reach the round of 16. But, this is where her run ends. Wang lacks any weapons to threaten an in-form Barty and the Aussie looks in the mood for another deep run at a Major.
Prediction: Barty in 2
Jim: Barty has been making quiet, but increasingly assured progress through the draw at the US Open, with her 7-5 6-3 win over the dangerous Sakkari surely her best of the tournament so far. She will face another test up against Wang, who is yet to drop a set in New York. But Barty is not ranked world #2 for nothing. Expect her to prove too strong for the 18th seed.
Prediction: Barty in 2
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