The second round of the US Open wraps up on Day 4, and there are 16 high-stakes women’s matches. Who will advance to the third round? This half of the draw is potentially wide open, so we could see anything happen. We split the day’s 16 matches between four articles. In addition to this article, the others feature Danielle Collins vs Cristina Busca, Jessica Pegula vs Aliaksandra Sasnovich, and Iga Swiatek vs Sloane Stephens. Predicting these matches are Jakub Bobro, Glenys Furness, and Jack Edward.
US Open Day 4 Women’s Predictions
Petra Kvitova vs Anhelina Kalinina
Jakub:
Kvitova had a brilliant lead-up, going all the way to the final in Cincinnati. The Czech veteran confirmed her form in her opener, bageling Erika Andreeva. Kalinina broke a streak of five first-round losses in a row, beating Bernarda Pera in the first round here. On current form, Kvitova should win and potentially have a deep run.
Prediction: Kvitova in 2
Glenys:
The Czech is seeded and therefore favourite for the match. The two times Wimbledon champion will be eager to at least equal last years spot and make the third round. Kvitova is a very definate favourite amongst the fans too, especially considering what happened in 2016 and the fears she would never play again after the stabbing. Kalinina has already equalled last years spot by making the second round. The Ukranian has never been further than this point in any Grand Slam event to date.
Prediction: Kvitova in 2
Jack:
For all the peaks and troughs of Petra Kvitova over the last couple of years, the past few months have been a much-need reset for her. She seemed to deal with the heat in Cincinnati far better than previous years so it looks likely she’ll be able to do the same here in New York. Anhelina Kalinina’s usual point constructing abilities will go out the window against the one-two punch of Kvitova.
Prediction: Kvitova in 2
Yulia Putintseva vs Jule Niemeier
Jakub:
Putintseva pulled off a strong win over Amanda Anisimova in the opener and will now face Niemeier, who went all the way to the quarterfinals at Wimbledon. The German defeated Sofia Kenin in the first round and will provide an interesting contrast of styles. Here, I will lean slightly towards Niemeier though I expect an even match.
Prediction: Niemeier in 3
Glenys:
The Kazkah took out the 24th seed who happened to be American, so is unlikely to be popular with the crowd. Saying that, the German also took out an American, so this will be a doozy of a match, as the fans will need to pick a side. Both had straight set victories in the first round too so it’s going to be a close call.
Prediction: Putintseva in 3
Jack:
Yulia Putintseva’s win over Amanda Anisimova seems surprising on paper but it is important to keep in mind Anisimova was coming back from a minor injury and looked far from her best. The huge game of Jule Niemeier is perhaps going under many people’s radars, the Wimbledon quarterfinalist looking to bring her biggest and best to the court as frequently as possible. She’s maybe still a little too up and down match-to-match for me to back her though so I’ll back Putintseva’s solidness.
Prediction: Putintseva in 3
Irina-Camelia Begu vs Yue Yuan
Jakub:
After a disappointing lead-up, Begu pulled out a strong win over Elise Mertens to start her US Open. Yuan came through qualifying and her first round against Jaimee Fourlis without dropping a single set. Still, I expect the experience of Begu to shine through.
Prediction: Begu in 3
Glenys:
The Romanian battled past Mertens in the first round, needing three sets to secure the victory. Yuan, on the other hand has come through qualifying and to this point has not dropped a set. The Chinese looks like she wants to try and emulate Raducanu from last year. Begu will be a tough test for the qualifier but Yuan appears to up it.
Prediction: Yuan in 2
Jack:
Whilst there is nothing jaw-dropping in Irina-Camelia Begu’s game, it’s worth keeping in mind she is arguably having a career best season. There are too many unknowns in Yue Yuan’s game in only the second Grand Slam main draw appearance of her career to see her coming out on top against a quality top-50 opponent.
Prediction: Begu in 2
Victoria Azarenka vs Marta Kostyuk
Jakub:
Some extra spice in this match-up with Kostyuk pulling out of the Tennis Plays for Peace exhibition due to the Belarusian Azarenka being invited. Azarenka had a bit of trouble with Ashlyn Krueger in the opener while Kostyuk won in two tight sets over Mayar Sherif. The three-time US Open finalist may not have had the most convincing lead-up but I expect her to come through this match.
Prediction: Azarenka in 3
Glenys:
This could be fireworks. With the tensions in both countries at the moment both Kostyuk and Azarenka will want the tennis to do the talking. Hard to know which way the crowd will be supporting here as Azarenka is a favorite with a lot of fans. However, the Ukranian will also find support amongst those watching. Azarenka had the tougher first round, as although she dominated two of the sets, she lost the middle one. Kostyuk had an easier time, but Azarenka is seeded.
Prediction: Kostyuk in 3
Jack:
Two players that have been up and down like a yo-yo this year. Assuming both are playing below their average, I fancy the slightly more reliable weaponry of Victoria Azarenka to take chunks out of the Kostyuk serve. It’ll be ropey though.
Prediction: Azarenka in 3
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