The schedule on day four at the US Open is packed with exciting matches and as always we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate, including Garbine Muguruza vs Victoria Azarenka. But who will book their place in the second week?
US Open Day 5 Predictions
Naomi Osaka vs Leylah Fernandez
Jim: Naomi Osaka would probably have rather played in the second round than been given a walkover. But the Japanese impressed in the first round against Marie Bouzkova and it’s hard to see Leylah Fernandez offering much more resistance than the Czech did. Osaka simply has too much power for most opponents to live with.
Prediction: Osaka in 2
Fraser: Fernandez is proving her pedigree with each match she plays this year. However, Osaka is a wrecking ball on hard courts and has something to prove given the drama that has followed her off the court this season. Fernandez may well have enough to take a set here, but I can’t see her doing much more than that.
Prediction: Osaka in 3
Jack: Osaka is still miles better than most of the field but there are three or four players in a much better headspace than her. Fernandez isn’t quite ready for the biggest stages, however, and her groundstrokes do not pack the same punch as the Japanese’s. I don’t think this is Osaka’s tournament to win, but she won’t be leaving after this round.
Prediction: Osaka in 2
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Ons Jabeur vs Elise Mertens
Jim: After an indifferent start at the US Open, Elise Mertens looked back to her best against Valentini Grammatikopoulou, beating the qualifier 6-2 6-2. Ons Jabeur was more dominant still, beating Maria Camila Osorio Serrano for the loss of just one game. If the Tunisian can find that level again, she should have just about too much for Mertens.
Prediction: Jabeur in 3
Fraser: Another juicy encounter in the third round. Mertens has been relatively quiet this year by her standards but is always dangerous. Jabeur has continued playing unreal tennis after a brilliant 2020 campaign and looks like she can beat anyone. The Tunisian has more in her locker as far as variety goes and that may prove the difference here. This should go the distance but I think Jabeur edges it.
Prediction: Jabeur in 3
Jack: Ons Jabeur’s confidence doesn’t seem to have a ceiling – her second-round win against Maria Serrano was a bulldozing performance. Though Elise Mertens has the tools to keep up with Jabeur, the Tunisian will be the one dictating proceedings if she is in full-flow.
Prediction: Jabeur in 3
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Elina Svitolina vs Daria Kasatkina
Jim: Elina Svitolina has made an assured start to her US Open, but all too often it is at about this stage that the wheels come off for her. She will need to guard against a similar drop in level against Daria Kasatkina, who has been playing some good tennis of late. That said, Svitolina has dominated their rivalry. If she plays her best tennis, or something close to it, expect her to advance here.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
Fraser: Kasatkina did well to survive the in-form Vondrousova in her last match. Her reward is another red hot opponent in Svitolina. The Ukrainian is playing her best tennis at the moment and should go deep this week. Kasatkina has had a resurgent year, but she won’t be going further in New York.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Jack: After getting married, Svitolina has looked better than ever on-court. It looks as though a weight has been lifted – her title run in Chicago showed us just how relaxed she can be during play. She is undefeated against Kasatkina so far though they’ve had their battles – don’t expect Kasatkina to go down without a fight. Still, I’ve got to side with the confident Ukrainian.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
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