The US Open begins with Day 1 on Monday, in what could include the final singles match of Serena Williams’ career. Do you think the all-time great will win? As always, our writers at LWOT share their thoughts on all the day’s matches. We split the Day 1 matches between eight articles. In addition to this article, our other articles feature Serena Williams vs Danka Kovinic, Anett Kontaveit vs Jaqueline Cristian, Leylah Fernandez vs Oceane Dodin, Bianca Andreescu vs Harmony Tan, Maria Sakkari vs Tatjana Maria, Simona Halep vs Daria Snigur, and Ons Jabeur vs Madison Brengle. Predicting these matches are Manuel Traquete, Tracey Essex, and Jim Smith. Who do you think will win?
US Open Day 1 Women’s Predictions
Harriet Dart vs Daria Kasatkina
Manuel:
Dart has been struggling to string consecutive wins all year so far; meanwhile, Kasatkina has had a pretty peculiar hard court summer: while she picked up titles in San José and more recently in Gramby, she also lost her first match in both Canada and Cincinnati in between. Iga Switake stopping her across many tournaments, including the two Grand Slams she’s played this year, has been the only thing stopping Kasatkina from having an even more impressive season. She should definitely have more than enough to get past Dart here and maintain her hopes of a first Slam title (or at least final appearance) alive.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 2
Tracey:
Kasatkina and Dart will both be relishing their wins in Vancouver – Kasatkina in singles, and Dart in doubles. Momentum should follow them to Flushing Meadows, and perhaps a tinge of fatigue. The Russian is playing exceptionally. Yet, I still see her serve as her biggest liability. Many opponents will pounce on the weak second delivery. I don’t see Dart having the chops to knock out Kasatkina here, but she will certainly punish a few of the Kasatkina serves.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 2
Jim:
Dart has not made the impact she would have hoped for over the summer, with wins hard to come by for the Briton. The draw has not done her any favours either with Kasatkina in impressive form. Stranger things have happened on a tennis court, and fatigue may be an issue for Kasatkina, but it’s hard to see any outcome other than a Kasatkina win.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 2
Tamara Zidansek vs Elizabeth Mandlik
Manuel:
This is another matchup that will be happening for the first time. Zidansek is on a terrible four loss streak coming into this tournament and despite being clearly ranked higher than Mandlik she’s still a clear underdog judging on form.
Prediction: Mandlik in 2
Tracey:
Considering Zidansek’s losing streak, I don’t see it turning around in New York. Mandlik was able to push Badosa to a decider and a tiebreak in San Jose. The American has yet to find that next gear, but she’s pushing the envelope. It’s only a matter of time and experience.
Prediction: Mandlik in 2
Jim:
Mandlik looks to have a bright future, but this will be a tough test for the American. Zidansek has not really kicked on since reaching the semifinals at the French Open and injuries have affected her summer. This might just be the perfect time for Mandlik to play her.
Prediction: Mandlik in 3
Jil Teichmann vs Shuai Zhang
Manuel:
Both players are very closely ranked, #30 vs #35, making this a nightmare first round draw for both of them. Zhang won the one previous match back in Acapulco in 2018, but that hardly means anything now. The two players are as evenly matches as they could possibly be and the match could genuinely go either way.
Prediction: Teichmann in 3
Tracey:
I truly enjoy watching Zhang Shuai play. Each match is a clinical performance of stroke production. Her text book groundstrokes are perfect. An exceptional doubles player, Zhang is comfortable coming to net and ending point. Teichmann can improvise and change tactics, a much more creative style that Zhang. This is a close call, but I’ll go with Zhang, the more consistent and reliable player.
Prediction: Zhang in 3
Jim:
Jil Teichmann remains frustratingly inconsistent, but at her best the Swiss is a force to be reckoned with and the courts in New York should suit her style of play. This has the makings of a competitive encounter, but expect Teichmann to have the edge.
Prediction: Teichmann in 3
Coco Gauff vs Leolia Jeanjean
Manuel:
This is yet another first time encounter. Gauff had a massive breakthrough this year in Slams, what with having reached the final at Roland Garros, only losing to Iga Swiatek. She didn’t exactly follow that up with more great runs, but at home in the US Open she’s sure to be dangerous and aiming for that maiden Slam title.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Tracey:
The headline-making Jeanjean is best known for her commanding win over Pliskova at Roland Garros. A mainstay on the ITF circuit, the Frenchwoman showed her capabilities, which will definitely make Coco Gauff think twice about an easy opener. Expect Jeanjean to find Gauff’s forehand, the wing which can go astray from time to time. Look for Coco to show her grit and find ways to end points on her terms. A match certainly worth the watch – ending in another Gauff win.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Jim:
This US Open feels like a big tournament for Gauff. The pressure will be on the American to perform in front of her home crowd and it will be interesting to see how she copes with the spotlight. But although Jeanjean impressed in coming through the qualifying, this is a relatively kind first-round draw for Gauff. Expect her to take advantage.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
