Tuesday is Day 2 at the US Open, and there are 32 women’s matches across the grounds at the Billie Jean King Tennis Center. As always, we here at LWOT are here to share our thoughts on all the matches for you. We split the 32 matches between eight articles. Our other articles for Day 2 feature Naomi Osaka vs Danielle Collins, Venus Williams vs Alison Van Uytvanck, Sloane Stephens vs Greet Minnen, Petra Kvitova vs Erika Andreeva, Garbine Muguruza vs Clara Tauson, Iga Swiatek vs Jasmine Paolini, and Emma Raducanu vs Alize Cornet. Predicting these matches are Tracey Essex, Damian Kust, and Fraser Learmonth. Who do you think will win?
US Open Day 2 Women’s Predictions
Victoria Azarenka vs Ashlyn Krueger
Tracey:
Azarenka may have her fair share of struggles on the court. Most recent, she lost to the defending US Open champion in Cincinnati. Yet, you simply can’t count the Belarusian out. Krueger will get some good shots in, but won’t stop Azarenka in the opener.
Prediction: Azarenka in 2
Damian:
Ashlyn Krueger is a nice prospect and she proved it again in the qualifying here. But is she ready for a massive win like that? Probably not quite yet. If she serves well, she could keep it fairly close though.
Prediction: Azarenka in 2
Fraser:
Azarenka loves hard courts and has done well in this tournament in the past. She probably should have won the 2020 edition and would undoubtedly like another shot at doing exactly that. I expect her to perform at Flushing Meadows, starting with a win here.
Prediction: Azarenka in 2
Marie Bouzkova vs Linda Noskova
Tracey:
In this all-Czech match, the established Bouzkova takes on No. 87 Noskova. Unless Bouzkova has an off day, she should repeat her success against her countrywoman. Quick. Easy. On to Round 2 for Bouzkova.
Prediction: Bouzkova in 2
Damian:
They recently played in the semifinals at Prague and Linda Noskova produced a fine attempt at working the angles to break through Marie Bouzkova’s defense, but ended up losing. She’ll probably come up short again, but it should be a fun watch.
Prediction: Bouzkova in 3
Fraser:
Bouzkova is a good player who has shown great form and ability at times in 2022. The Czech has a very polished game and could be a real threat on the tour if she can string it all together on a consistent basis. Expect a good showing from here in this one.
Prediction: Bouzkova in 3
Cristina Busca vs Kaja Juvan
Tracey:
Bucsa has spent more than five hours on the Flushing Meadows courts, earning her main draw berth through qualifying rounds. It should give her some confidence going into her main draw opener. This is a great matchup for the Spaniard to keep building her momentum. Juvan’s form has been shaky and she’s came out on the losing end of most recent matches. Little separates these two. I’ll give the edge to Bucsa who’s found some good form through qualifiers.
Prediction: Bucsa in 3
Damian:
Qualifying is usually a nice advantage and Cristina Bucsa will be in better match rhythm than Kaja Juvan, who only played two matches (losing both) since Wimbledon. However, I’ll just go with the superior talent here because that edge is quite big.
Prediction: Juvan in 3
Fraser:
Juvan is another of the many young stars poised for greatness in the women’s game at the moment. Whether she can push on or not is still unclear. However, she should be able to pick up a win or two in New York.
Prediction: Juvan in 2
Jessica Pegula vs Viktorija Golubic
Tracey:
Golubic has never made it past the opening round in New York. It’s doubtful she’ll change that outcome this year, as she begins her campaign against perhaps the most in-form player on tour. Pegula simply doesn’t have an “off day”. She consistent, powerful and one of the most intelligent players on the court. Sure, her opponents can push her, but Pegula can change up her game, change up her strategy and change the outcome. Expect the American to sail through the opener with the raucous support of the crowd fully behind her.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Damian:
Viktorija Golubic has never won a US Open main draw match and it’s probably not about to happen here. Not with how consistent Jessica Pegula usually is at cruising through the early rounds of her events.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Fraser:
Pegula has a kind draw and is poised to go very deep in this one. The American has shown she has the game to make it to the latter stages of Grand Slams. The question is, can she go all the way in one? She certainly should make it to Round 2 at the very least.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
