The US Open finishes off its first round on Tuesday. We at LWOT are here to predict as many of the matches as we can for you. In fact, we’re predicting 28 of the day’s 32 scheduled matches. Each set of predictions looks at four matches. That means that we have six more sets in addition to this one. One features Iga Swiatek vs Veronika Kudermetova, another headlines Amanda Anisimova vs Viktoriya Tomova, the next features Venus Williams vs Karolina Muchova, one looks at Serena Williams vs Kristie Ahn, another headlines Victoria Azarenka vs Barbara Haas, and the last features Kim Clijsters vs Ekaterina Alexandrova. Predicting this set of matches are Tracey Essex, Jim Smith, and Jack Rossiter-Munley.
US Open Day 2 Women’s Predictions
Madison Keys vs Timea Babos
Tracey:
Madison Keys couldn’t find the form needed to counteract Ons Jabeur. While Jabeur is one of the most in-form players on tour, Keys certainly has the serve and power to hit the Tunisian off the court. The American will open against Timea Babos, an exceptional doubles player. Keys’ power will keep her from the net, taking away a dangerous part of the Babos game. If Keys can eliminate her oft times erratic play, it will be a quick, straight sets win.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Jim:
Keys was not at her best at the Western and Southern Open, but the American typically performs well at her home Slam. She will not be able to rely on the support of the crowd this fortnight, however, and faces a potentially tricky first-round encounter with Babos. But Keys has the power to hit through the Hungarian. Expect her to do just that.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Jack:
Keys hasn’t lost a set to Babos in six years. They’ve had some tight matches, but their only previous hard court meeting was a Keys blowout. As a former finalist playing in her home country, Keys should manage a comfortable win against a strong opponent.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Sachia Vickery vs Taylor Townsend
Tracey:
The Americans have such similar games. In fact, they’ve split their meetings 3-3. It will be the small adjustments which each player makes that will be the key to winning this one. Vickery has the better 2020 record and can better adapt her strategy.
Prediction: Vickery in 3
Jim:
Townsend put together an exceptional run at the US Open last year, highlighted by her win over Simona Halep in the second round. But whilst the quick courts at the US Open this year suggest that her aggressive approach would be rewarded, she crashed out in the first round of qualifying last week, winning just two games. That will surely have dented her confidence and Vickery could be well placed to take advantage.
Prediction: Vickery in 3
Jack:
The head to head is even at 3-3 and neither player has won two matches in a row against the other. Townsend won their last meeting, but she is also capable of a higher level of play so she should disrupt the pattern.
Prediction: Townsend in 3
Vera Zvonareva vs Leylah Annie Fernandez
Tracey:
Canadian rising star Leylah Annie Fernandez may have lost her opening round at the Cincinnati Masters, but not before bageling Ons Jabeur to take the first set. Talent abounds in the 17-year-old and as she gains experience, so will she gain wins. Zvonareva is still working out the kinks, post maternity. The Russian will find too much across the net.
Prediction: Fernandez in 2
Jim:
This should make for an entertaining battle between youth and experience. Both women have played some fine tennis of late, with Zvonareva making a creditable showing at the Western and Southern Open, where she reached the second round as a qualifier. Fernandez, meanwhile, upset Sloane Stephens in the first round in Lexington, but fell short in the first round in “Cincinnati” against Ons Jabeur. Expect her to bounce back here however.
Prediction: Fernandez in 3
Jack:
A former World #2 and 2008 bronze medalist against a young newcomer making her way up the rankings. The storyline of this match may end up being better than the tennis itself. Zvonareva has been far from her best for a long time, and Fernandez can capitalize–she’s already beaten Belinda Bencic at the Fed Cup this year.
Prediction: Fernandez in 2
Johanna Konta vs Heather Watson
Tracey:
Johanna Konta turned in a stellar performance during the Cincinnati Masters, reaching the semifinals without dropping serve. It’s an unfortunate draw for Heather Watson who has yet to win against her fellow Brit. Konta’s form is just too good and she’ll add another victory over Watson.
Prediction: Konta in 2
Jim:
Konta arrives at the US Open in fine form after an excellent week at the Western and Southern Open. She has struggled in New York in the past, but the quick courts this year appear to suit her game. She will be facing an opponent she knows well in Watson, which may lead to a closer match than the disparity in their rankings would suggest, particularly if Konta is still feeling the effects of her Cincinnati exertions. But it would be a surprise if the eighth seed were not the one to reach the second round.
Prediction: Konta in 3
Jack:
Konta’s level of play was one of the takeaways from the Western & Southern Open. If she carries even half that form into this match, she’ll win and who knows how far she could go. A great match up for British fans early on.
Prediction: Konta in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
