Day 2 of the US Open sees the first round wrap up. We at LWOT are predicting as many of the matches as we can. 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 Johanna Konta vs Heather Watson, 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 Damian Kust.
US Open Day 2 Women’s Predictions
Elise Mertens vs Laura Siegemund
Tracey:
Reaching the final in Prague, followed by a semifinal appearance in New York shows the fabulous form of Elise Mertens. A challenge in the form of Laura Siegemund should be of little concern to the in-form Belgian. Certainly, the German isn’t an easy opponent. Mertens solid play should be more than enough for a straight sets win.
Prediction: Mertens in 2
Jim:
Mertens is a player to watch out for this fortnight. The Belgian, a first-round loss in Palermo aside, has excelled since the season resumed and she has form on the biggest stage, having reached the Australian Open semifinals in 2018. With the draw missing so many star names, another deep run looks very achievable. Expect her to prove too strong for Siegemund.
Prediction: Mertens in 2
Damian:
Siegemund would much rather contest this one on clay. Elise Mertens has been one of the world’s best players since the restart and it would be quite a shock if she lost here.
Prediction: Mertens in 2
Katerina Siniakova vs Kaia Kanepi
Tracey:
Kaia Kanepi’s last tournament was the Australian Open in January 2020. Undoubtedly, the Estonian is lacking match play and will have a lot of rust in her game. Siniakova exited in the first rounds at the Top Seed and Western & Southern tournaments. Obviously, form is not at the level the Czech would like. Recent match play should give Siniakova enough to edge this one out.
Prediction: Siniakova in 3
Jim:
Kanepi may be approaching the end of her career, but what a career it has been. And although her most notable successes came some years ago now, she has enjoyed the US Open recently, reaching the quarterfinals in 2017 and upsetting the top-seeded Simona Halep en route to the fourth round in 2018. With Siniakova struggling, the stage could be set for another memorable week in New York for Kanepi.
Prediction: Kanepi in 3
Damian:
The Czech played a lot of clay-court tennis during the pandemic break, but she has yet to turn this match rhythm into good results. We know much less of Kaia Kanepi’s current form, although she beat Sevastova and Ostapenko at the end of July. Kanepi’s power is always to rival and she is sort of famous for sudden Grand Slam runs out of nowhere. Maybe this can be another one?
Prediction: Kanepi in 3
Zhang Shuai vs Ysaline Bonaventure
Tracey:
Zhang Shuai is such a clinical player. Strokes which she can replicate time and time again give the Chinese a low error count. Add to it Zhang’s all court game where she can transition from baseline to net, and it’s a tough opponent for Bonaventure.
Prediction: Zhang in 2
Jim:
Zhang has not enjoyed massive success at the US Open, where she has never gone beyond the third round, but she in nonetheless an experienced campaigner with two Grand Slam quarterfinal appearances to her name. Expect her to prevail against the debutant Bonaventure.
Prediction: Zhang in 3
Damian:
While Zhang didn’t look convincing against Yulia Putintseva in “Cincinnati”, I’m certain that with more practice and tuning in her groundstrokes she should find a way through here. Bonaventure failed to impress since the restart and doesn’t have the game to hurt the Chinese woman.
Prediction: Zhang in 2
Kristie Ahn vs Serena Williams
Tracey:
Serena struggled through a tough, three-set bout against Maria Sakkari. The theme of Serena’s loss was “missed opportunities.” Closing out in straight sets will preserve the 38-year-old Williams’ legs and strength. This is perhaps her last, best chance to secure the elusive #24. While compatriot Ahn has been playing solid, this moment is just too big. This won’t be a history-making first round loss for Serena.
Prediction: Williams in 2
Jim:
It is difficult to know what to expect of Williams heading into the US Open. The American has shown flashes of her best tennis since the season resumed, but little more than that. But she often saves her best for the biggest stage and will not want for motivation, with Margaret Court’s record of 24 Majors within reach. Ahn, meanwhile, enjoyed the week of her life in New York last season, but she has regressed to the mean since. Even not at her best, Williams should have too much.
Prediction: Williams in 2
Damian:
Grand Slam number 24 seems far away from Serena right now. Still, the American will have enough determination to find through her issues. There will be players who will do damage to Serena (and probably beat her) later in the tournament, but I don’t think Kristie Ahn has the game to do it.
Prediction: Williams in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
