There should be plenty of entertaining action on day seven at the US Open with a number of star names set to take to the court. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate. But who will book their place in the quarterfinals?
US Open Day 7 Predictions
Elina Svitolina vs Simona Halep
Jim: After her run to the title in Chicago two weeks ago, Svitolina has looked full of confidence at the US Open. The Ukrainian is yet to drop a set, with her third-round win over Daria Kasatkina particularly impressive. Halep should provide a stern test. The Romanian has the advantage in terms of experience and has been able to get across the line in more big matches. This time, however, Svitolina looks to be playing the better tennis. If she maintains her level, she should have enough for Halep.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
Andy: Last week I would’ve called this a definite win for Svitolina but I fancy the opposite result now. Svitolina has been consistent as always by getting to the second week again but often finds it too much to close out matches against the top players. Halep would definitely be classed as one of those and I think it may happen again for Svitolina. I had Halep down for losing in the previous round to the talented Rybakina but the fact that she has won through that match tells me that she is ready for the battle.
Prediction: Halep in 3
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Angelique Kerber vs Leylah Fernandez
Jim: This should be an interesting battle between youth and experience. Kerber has never really looked like repeating her US Open triumph, having not advanced beyond the fourth round since, but she has impressed in New York this year. Fernandez will not make this easy for the German, but it is hard to see the teenager winning enough of the longer rallies to advance.
Prediction: Kerber in 3
Andy: The Canadian produced a magnificent display to see off the defending champion in the last round, but I am of the belief that this will be even tougher. The German is on a great run of form and looks as good as ever. The theory that it is hard to back up a big win is one that I subscribe to and I think we may see another example here.
Prediction: Kerber in 2
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Barbora Krejcikova vs Garbine Muguruza
Jim: Krejcikova has been untroubled so far at the US Open. That will surely change here up against the former-world #1 Muguruza. The Spaniard has not played her best tennis in New York historically, but she has looked sharp in beating Donna Vekic, Andrea Petkovic and Victoria Azarenka. Still, Krejcikova has been hitting the ball so cleanly that she should be able to keep Muguruza on the backfoot. That version of the Spaniard is less threatening.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 3
Andy: The Czech is just on an unbelievable roll. It’s just as if she has forgotten how lose at the moment. She has an 84% win record on hard in the last year. This is a better number than Muguruza’s and it is Krejcikova’s serve that has been the key. I don’t foresee many breaks in this match so it’ll be down to key moments. Muguruza is mentally tough but has more scars from her career not being able to close out. I’m going to edge towards Krejcikova in this battle.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 3
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Elise Mertens vs Aryna Sabalenka
Jim: Sabalenka faced what looked like being a tough test in the third round, but made short work of Danielle Collins in the third round, dropping just six games. She won’t have things all her own way against Mertens, but the Belarusian should have enough to reach the quarterfinals.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Andy: The Belgian is another who often makes it into the second week of Slams but finds the going tough against the top players. Sabalenka has won their last four meetings and has looked good so far bar a sloppy set in the opening round. Sabalenka should be able to use her power to back Mertens up behind the baseline and then take advantage.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
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