Day 6 at the US Open sees the end of the third round. Who will advance to the Round of 16? As always, our writers share their thoughts on all of the matches with you. We split the day’s eight matches between this and another article. Predicting today’s matches are Jakub Bobro, Jack Edward, and Johnny Connell. Who do you think will win?
US Open Day 6 Women’s Predictions
Garbine Muguruza vs Petra Kvitova
Jakub:
A blockbuster third-round clash here. Muguruza has struggled for most of the season but has looked very good in her first two matches, beating youngsters Clara Tauson and Linda Fruhvirtova. Kvitova was coming off a final run in Cincinnati and after a straight-set victory in her opener, the Czech received a walkover in the second round. Both players look in good form but considering Kvitova’s 5-1 lead in the head-to-head, the 32-year-old should be the favorite.
Prediction: Kvitova in 3
Jack:
Though two wins for Garbine Muguruza will feel rejuvenating, playing Petra Kvitova on a fast court might be a step too far. Kvitova’s taken four of their last five hard-court meetings–the Spaniard has found it difficult to settle in this match-up in better form so I can’t see her pulling off the upset.
Prediction: Kvitova in 2
Johnny:
Garbine Muguruza seems to have finally found some decent form with straight set wins over Clara Tauson and Linda Fruhvirtova, the first time she has won back-to-back matches since Doha in February. Petra Kvitova hasn’t had to do much to get to this stage, a win over Erika Andreeva and a walkover. This matchup could go any number of ways, between a pair of Major champions desperate for victory after recent struggles. Kvitova has traditionally struggled in New York. I think the walkover in the previous round could be a negative for this matchup, and she may be undercooked. I’ll side with the Spaniard, who seems to be finding some form.
Prediction: Muguruza in 3
Danielle Collins vs Alize Cornet
Jakub:
A re-match of their Australian Open quarterfinal from earlier this season, expect Collins and Cornet to bring not only good tennis but lots of drama as well. In traditional Cornet fashion this season, the Frenchwoman took out defending champion Emma Raducanu. Collins also beat a former champion in Naomi Osaka and looks like a potential title favorite. It will be a tight one but I will lean towards the American.
Prediction: Collins in 3
Jack:
It was a one-sided win for Danielle Collins over Alizé Cornet when they played in Australia at the start of the year. It’s not a match-up that favors Cornet as trading backhands will generally favour the huge strikes of the American. Collins has been subject to playing off a hard-court for the last six months–though there is still a little rust to shake off, I trust she’ll feel back in her element.
Prediction: Collins in 3
Johnny:
Danielle Collins has been one of the most impressive players throughout the first few rounds. A stunning performance to beat Naomi Osaka in straight sets was followed by another straight set win over Cristina Bucsa. Cornet continues to thrive on the big stages in 2022, but I think she will be overpowered here, just like she was against the American earlier this year at the Australian Open. Collins has too much firepower in all departments and competes well enough to counteract the versatile Frenchwoman’s strengths.
Prediction: Collins in 2
Jule Niemeier vs Qinwen Zheng
Jakub:
After her Wimbledon quarterfinal run, Niemeier has to be seen as a dangerous floater in draws now. The German looked solid in wins over Sofia Kenin and Yulia Putintseva in the first two rounds. Zheng is also in good form, defeating Jelena Ostapenko and Anastasia Potapova as well as making a Toronto quarterfinal earlier this summer. Zheng won their most recent meeting in Australia earlier this season and I believe she will win again.
Prediction: Zheng in 2
Jack:
Jule Niemeier hits a huge ball but has been allowed to run riot against point constructors in Putintseva and Kenin. Enter Qinwen Zheng: her huge serves should tame Niemeier’s returning abilities whilst her weight of shot should allow her to barge her way into enough of the German’s service games to get the win.
Prediction: Zheng in 2
Johnny:
Qinwen Zheng is playing the best tennis of her life. Zheng has already overcome two dangerous opponents with wins over Jelena Ostapenko and Anastasia Potapova. Niemeier is also a young player reaching new heights. A big opportunity for both players to reach the second week of a Grand Slam. Zheng seems to have the edge at the moment, espeically on these quick hard courts which perfectly suit her aggressive style.
Prediction: Zheng in 3
Victoria Azarenka vs Petra Martic
Jakub:
Azarenka, a three-time finalist at the US Open, has looked good in her first two matches outside of her lapse in concentration in the second set against Ashlyn Krueger. Martic, who took out Paula Badosa in the second round, is looking to make it three second-week runs in four years at the US Open. I believe Azarenka will prevent the Croat from achieving this though.
Prediction: Azarenka in 2
Jack:
Whilst Petra Martic’s win over Paula Badosa was impressive, defeating an in-form Victoria Azarenka in these conditions is an entirely different ball game. I think Azarenka’s been let off pretty easy in her first couple of rounds however so there are still too many question marks over how she’d deal with a quality opponent for me to back her.
Prediction: Martic in 3
Johnny:
Victoria Azarenka is seemingly in a good place right now, at a tournament where she has twice finished runner-up and the conditions, atmosphere suit her perfectly. Petra Martic is coming off an upset win over the fourth seeded Paula Badosa as she traditionally raises her level at the majors. I like Azarenka in this matchup, she has the game to deal with the Croatian’s versatility and dominate with her greater power and aggression.
Prediction: Azarenka in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
