The US Open begins on Monday with a whopping 32 women’s matches on Day 1 of play. There is a ton of action around the grounds of the Billie Jean King Tennis Center, and our writers here at LWOT will share their thoughts on all of the matches with you. We split the 32 matches between eight articles. Our other articles feature Coco Gauff vs Laura Siegemund, Victoria Azarenka vs Fiona Ferro, Iga Swiatek vs Rebecca Peterson, Caroline Wozniacki vs Tatiana Prozorova, Danielle Collins vs Linda Fruhvirtova, Elena Rybakina vs Marta Kostyuk, and Maria Sakkari vs Rebeka Masarova. Predicting these matches are Jim Smith, Jordan Reynolds, and Yesh Ginsburg. Who do you think will win?
US Open Day 1 Women’s Predictions
Elisabetta Cocciaretto vs Kaja Juvan
Jim:
Kaja Juvan had to work very hard to secure her spot in the main draw, ultimately edging out Himeno Sakatsume in the final round in a three sets. Her reward is a shot at 29th seed Elisabetta Cocciaretto and a spot in the second round in New York for the third time. She might do it, but Cocciaretto is the higher-ranked player for a reason and should have the beating of the Slovenian, though she may have to go the distance to get the win.
Prediction: Cocciaretto in 3
Jordan:
This is a good opportunity for both players. Each woman is most comfortable on clay by a comfortable margin. However, Cocciaretto is both the higher ranked player, and the one to show more hard court prowess overall during her career. Juvan did fight her way through qualifying impressively. But she is likely to come up just short here.
Prediction: Cocciaretto in 3
Yesh:
Juvan might have needed to qualify to get in here, but she has a ton of talent and potential at the Grand Slam level. Cocciaretto is solid enough, but she has a ceiling, especially on these courts.
Prediction: Juvan in 3
Ajla Tomljanovic vs Panna Udvardy
Jim:
It will be interesting to see what sort of level Ajla Tomljanovic can find in her first match of the year. She is probably a better player than Panna Udvardy, at least at this stage in the Hungarian’s career, but there is ultimately no substitute for match sharpness.
Prediction: Udvardy in 2
Jordan:
This is Tomljanović‘a first match since October 2022 due to a significant injury layoff. Hence the former Grand Slam quarterfinalist’s level is hard to predict. Udvardy is both outside the Top 100 and a clay court specialist. The Hungarian certainly has a chance due to her opponent’s inevitable rust. But overall I think this is a good draw for Tomljanović to get on her first match back.
Prediction: Tomljanovic in 3
Yesh:
Udvardy is solid enough, but this match will be entirely on Tomljanovic’s form. The Australian was in the best shape of her career before a knee injury derailed this season. Assuming she comes back anywhere near the level she left, she should win easily.
Prediction: Tomljanovic in 2
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Sorana Cirstea vs Kayla Day
Jim:
Sorana Cirstea had to contend with some tough draws over the summer and failed to make it past the second round in Washington, Montreal and Cincinnati. But this should be a winnable match for a player of the Romanian’s talents. Kayla Day has made impressive strides recently, but this looks like a challenge too far for the 23-year-old.
Prediction: Cirstea in 2
Jordan:
This is a tough ask for day. Not because Cirstea makes regular challenges for Grand Slam titles. But she is one of the best at navigating the very early rounds, having reached the third round in 17 Grand Slams. The Romanian is just a very solid player all round. The American will need to be near faultless to win here.
Prediction: Cirstea in 2
Yesh:
Kayla Day is a young American with a ton of potential. She’s been slowly unleashing that potential this summer, and I expect the growth to continue with an upset at the US Open.
Prediction: Day in 2
Sloane Stephens vs Beatriz Haddad Maia
Jim:
This has the makings of an entertaining match. Sloane Stephens’ US Open title feels a long time ago now, but the American can still play some very fine tennis when she is on song. Beatriz Haddad Maia, meanwhile, hasn’t really kicked on after an excellent 2022. With the crowd sure to be right behind her, Stephens might just be able to spring a surprise here.
Prediction: Stephens in 3
Jordan:
This is one of the best matchups in the first round. A Grand Slam champion takes on this year’s French Open semifinalist. The Brazilian though has not won too many matches lately. Stephens on the other hand has been playing quite solidly, with two Round of 16 appearances in Montreal and Cincinnati, and a quarterfinal in Cleveland. I think her better form and home crowd will see her over the line in this one.
Prediction: Stephens in 3
Yesh:
Predicting Sloane Stephens matches is always the same. The match will be up to her. If she’s even close to her best, she should beat just about anyone. But she can also lose to just about anyone. Haddad Maia is a very good player, but if the American brings her A-game she should be able to win this one.
Prediction: Stephens in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
