We wrap up the men’s and women’s second rounds on Day 4 of the US Open. That means 16 women’s matches all across the grounds of the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Who will move on to Round 3? As always, our writers here at LWOT will predict all of the matches for you. We split Thursday’s matches between two articles. The other three articles feature Elina Svitlina vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, Ons Jabeur vs Linda Noskova, and Jessica Pegula vs Patricia Maria Tig. Predicting this set of matches are Jack Edward, Jordan Reynolds, and Manuel Traquete.
US Open Day 4 Women’s Predictions
Lucia Bronzetti vs Eva Lys
Jack:
Eva Lys scored the first Grand Slam main draw win of her career against Robin Montgomery—probably the first of many. She’s dropped twelve games in four matches so far and will come all guns blazing into her match-up with Lucia Bronzetti. She has the advantage in power over the Italian here.
Prediction: Lys in 3
Jordan:
I did not see Bronzetti’s performance against Krejcikova coming. She was superb, and showed aggression I wasn’t sure she was capable of. But I am backing Lys. She only lost 3 games in her previous round, and her style is one capable of rushing the Italian.
Prediction: Lys in 3
Manuel:
This should be a very tight match, with very little to choose between the two players. Bronzetti was in fine form in her first round match against Krejcikova, scoring one of the biggest upsets of the tournament so far, and if she keeps that level she should be able to continue her run here.
Prediction: Bronzetti in 3
Madison Keys vs Yanina Wickmayer
Jack:
Madison Keys doesn’t really do bad losses at the US Open. She’s stepped up at this tournament time and time again so I fully expect her to be close to her best. Conversely, Yanina Wickmayer has been struggling with back and hip issues so her level may be in question.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Jordan:
Keys was solid, if unspectacular, in her win against Hamburg champion Aranxta Rus. I struggle to see how Wickmayer copes with the pace of the American’s groundstrokes. She will need to get as many balls into play as possible, and hope Keys makes more mistakes than normal. But that is unlikely to happen.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Manuel:
Keys is a former finalist at this tournament, all the way back in 2017, and will be looking to make another run at her home Slam. Despite poor form so far in the North American summer, she should be able to pull through here.
Prediction: Keys in 2
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Lesia Tsurenko vs Ekaterina Alexandrova
Jack:
Statistically one of the best returners on tour, Lesia Tsurenko will have her defensive powers tested against the phenomenal strikes of Ekaterina Alexandrova. I actually think Tsurenko could do a lot of damage here but, where Alexandrova had made only three Slam third rounds previous to this year, the Russian has now made three on the bounce. I’m backing a fourth.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 3
Jordan:
Alexandrova showed she has guts as well as skill in her long three set win against 2021 finalist Leylah Fernandez. Tsurenko’s best level has caused players ranked higher than Alexandrova problems in the past. But last week’s Cleveland finalist seems to be effectively using the momentum she has built. And I think she will battle through again.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 3
Manuel:
Both players survived very hard fought first round matchups and will be feeling confident after those close escapes. Alexandrova is generally the better player and should have the edge, but it’s a match that should come down to little details.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 3
Aryna Sabalenka vs Jodie Burrage
Jack:
Aryna Sabalenka’s on a streak of four consecutive Grand Slam semifinals. Jodie Burrage’s only hope will likely be an off-day from the world #2. The chances of that happening would be more likely on a natural surface where her rhythm could be disrupted—not on the hard courts of New York.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Jordan:
The results for the British players in the first round were excellent. But an upset for Burrage against the Australian Open champion would be something truly incredible. It is doubtful that she has adequate weapons to worry Sabalenka. The #2 seed should progress comfortably again.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Manuel:
Sabalenka has a huge opportunity to become #1 in the world after this tournament, only needing to match Swiatek’s result to do so. She’s very unlikely to be stopped here at such an early stage and against such a lower ranked opponent.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
