The second round of the women’s singles starts on Day 3 of the US Open. As always, we here at LWOT will share our thoughts on all 16 matches for you. We split the matches between four articles, including this one. The other articles feature Petra Kvitova vs Caroline Wozniacki, Iga Swiatek vs Daria Saville, and Elena Rybakina vs Ajla Tomljanovic. Predicting these matches are Nurein Ahmed, Jordan Reynolds, Jack Edward, and Yesh Ginsburg. Who do you think will advance?
US Open Day 3 Women’s Predictions
Jennifer Brady vs Magda Linette
Nurein:
It was such a massive relief for Jennifer Brady to tick off that opening-round win. Her match point to seal it was one of relief. There are no trophies for winning first-round matches, but having persevered for two years nursing career-threatening injuries, it was a full-circle moment for her, almost the equivalent of winning a title. But we saw a bit of tension closing that match out, so I wouldn’t give her too much of an edge here against a more accomplished player than Birrell. Linette already exceeded expectations in her last hard-court Slam and might as well pick up the pieces if Brady succumbs to nerves.
Prediction: Linette in 3
Jordan:
It is wonderful to see Jennifer Brady playing so well after her injury nightmares. This is a difficult test for her. The experienced Linette did of course reach the semifinals of the Australian Open this year. Linette is a fighter, and my instinct is she might just force enough errors from Brady to narrowly win, and stem Brady’s momentum.
Prediction: Linette in 3
Jack:
Magda Linette hasn’t been particularly inspiring following her Australian Open semifinal run whilst Jennifer Brady absolutely has been–her level seriously high given she’s just returned to the tour. No question she’s the favorite here.
Prediction: Brady in 2
Yesh:
Maybe I overestimate Jennifer Brady because I remember how brutally she hit the ball before her injuries. She’s not quite at her peak rhythm yet, but she’s getting there. It will take a lot to beat her.
Prediction: Brady in 2
Jelena Ostapenko vs Elina Avanesyan
Nurein:
Calling Ostapenko matches is a bit of a headscratcher. But she’ll probably be ecstatic to avoid a feisty opponent like Cornet who has beaten her three times in five matches. Avanesyan has made noise already in a Slam this year, reaching the fourth round of the French Open as a lucky loser. But she’s at her most vulnerable on hard courts and dealing with Ostapenko’s power will be a bit of a nightmare.
Prediction: Ostapenko in 2
Jordan:
Both women fought through tough first rounds in three sets. Avanesyan’s victory against the experienced Alize Cornet was a terrific win. Each player likes to play aggressively from the back of the court. I think Ostapenko will do it slightly more consistently to win.
Prediction: Ostapenko in 3
Jack:
Jelena Ostapenko has never been passed the third round at the US Open. She’s generally lost to steadier opponents at that stage of the tournament, players that will make her miss over and over again. Elina Avanesyan isn’t one of those players. The Latvian should be safe for another round.
Prediction: Ostapenko in 3
Yesh:
Avanesyan is in good form and is peaking at the biggest tournaments this year. The young Russian is finally breaking through, and beating a former French Open champion would be a great way to get there. Can she do it? Maybe, but I’ll guess not. Ostapenko is in pretty solid form right now, hitting the ball in the court consistently. If that keeps up she’s tough to beat.
Prediction: Ostapenko in 3
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Sara Sorribes Tormo vs Xinyu Wang
Nurein:
Could fatigue take its toll on Sorribes Tormo here? Granted the Spaniard is one of the physically gifted players of her generation, but she’ll be feeling it here. A more consistent player other than Kalinina could have sent her packing in the first round. So the Cleveland champion will be up against it here against the fast-improving Xinyu Wang.
Prediction: Wang in 3
Jordan:
Sorribes Tormo’s first round win less than two days after her final victory in Cleveland is a testament to her excellent conditioning. Wang will have confidence after winning pretty easily against American Katie Volynets. The Spaniard just seems locked in right now though. I think she will win again.
Prediction: Sorribes Tormo in 2
Jack:
The streak continues for Sara Sorribes Tormo. She is one of the fittest, steadiest player on the tour—in the blistering heat, in great form, in heavy conditions, I think she’ll get the best of Xin Yu Wang.
Prediction: Sorribes Tormo in 3
Yesh:
Both women are in pretty strong form right now. It’s tough to know who will win. I guess I’ll go with the Spaniard’s experience on these stages, but I could easily see Wang taking this.
Prediction: Sorribes Tormo in 3
Coco Gauff vs Mirra Andreeva
Nurein:
We’ve got another all-teenager matchup, following on from their 2023 French Open clash. Back then, Andreeva tested Gauff and fell in three sets. But recent results suggest this one could be one-sided. Gauff is finally living her to her teenage hype. She’s got the best win-loss record of all players during the U.S. swing this year. Back her to romp past her younger opponent.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Jordan:
Both women recovered from a set down to set up this terrific clash. This is the toughest test Andreeva has had in her short career to date. She will need to control her emotions to compete effectively. I expect a strong performance from the 16-year-old, but for Gauff to ultimately win the battle of the teenagers.
Prediction: Gauff in 3
Jack:
The match of the day. Both players carry some pressure going into this match, both overcame slow starts to eventually bounce back and win their opening matches. Of course, Gauff carries the lion’s share of the pressure though she’s dealt with it well recently and I expect her to step up to the plate here. She should find the level required to out-defend Andreeva.
Prediction: Gauff in 3
Yesh:
This is the second of what looks like many meetings in a future elite matchup of the sport. Andreeva’s rise has been meteoric, but Gauff is probably a step too far. The American is a favorite for the title here (if she can get past Iga Swiatek). This will be a great match, but I expect Gauff to move on.
Prediction: Gauff in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
