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, Coco Gauff vs Leolia Jeanjean, Maria Sakkari vs Tatjana Maria, Simona Halep vs Daria Snigur. Predicting these matches are Manuel Traquete, Tracey Essex, and Jim Smith. Who do you think will win?
US Open Day 1 Women’s Predictions
Veronika Kudermetova vs Donna Vekic
Manuel:
Vekic has the head-to-head lead (2-1) but Kudermetova is clearly the better player right now and should be able to win with relative ease at this point in their careers.
Predictions: Kudermetova in 2
Tracey:
Vekic has had a career filled with fleeting moments of brilliance, followed by lengthy streaks of losses. Kudermetova will quickly break down the Vekic game. Her doubles prowess has improved her net game, allowing Kudermetova to end points on her terms.
Prediction: Kudermetova in 2
Jim:
Kudermetova has gone somewhat under the radar over the past couple of years, but the Russian has played some very fine tennis. At her best, Vekic could make a match of this and perhaps even win it, but the Croatian has not been able to find her best tennis very often of late.
Prediction: Kudermetova in 2
Ann Li vs Camila Osorio
Manuel:
There’s very little to choose between both players generally but Li comes in slightly better form.
Prediction: Li in 3
Tracey:
Ann Li is lacking match play. That will be the biggest detriment in the American’s opener. It will take time for her to shake off the rust and find her footing. While Osorio’s hard-court swing hasn’t been steller, she’s in much better form. Expect the American to struggle and Osorio to take advantage.
Prediction: Osorio in 2
Jim:
It’s been a disappointing few weeks for Camila Osorio and this does not exactly look like the ideal opportunity to turn it around. Li will have the support of the New York crowd and has a solid record at her home Slam.
Prediction: Li in 3
Daria Saville vs Elena-Gabriela Ruse
Manuel:
It’d be a different story on another surface, but on hard court Saville is a clear favorite.
Prediction: Saville in 2
Tracey:
Saville is lacking wins on hard courts recently. Not a good stat against Ruse, who capitalizes on break points. Ruse converts on break points more than 50% of the time. It’s not altogether that straightforward, and we’ll see momentum shifts. I give the edge to Ruse who’ll capitalize on her opportunities.
Prediction: Ruse in 3
Jim:
Saville has been playing some great tennis lately, Ruse rather less so. She won just four games when she last stepped on court and that was nearly six weeks ago. It’s hard to see past a Saville win here.
Prediction: Saville in 2
Ons Jabeur vs Madison Brengle
Manuel:
The Wimbledon finalist doesn’t have the easiest of opening rounds here but she should be able to pull through.
Prediction: Jabeur in 3
Tracey:
Despite Brengle playing quite well, it won’t be enough to upset Jabeur. The Tunisian’s shot selection, variety, placement and pace will stymie the hard-hitting American.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
Jim:
It has been a disappointing spell for Jabeur after her run to the final at Wimbledon, but this looks like a good opportunity for her to get back on track. Brengle will not fold, but she cannot match Jabeur’s quality off the ground.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
