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
Katie Boulter vs Yafan Wang
Jack:
Katie Boulter has taken out some decent names recently but, despite her good form, there are still holes in the Brit’s ground game. Though Yafan Wang looks like a good opportunity to get to the third round on paper, the Chinese should be the slight favorite in rallies.
Prediction: Wang in 3
Jordan:
Boulter’s level to dispatch Diane Parry was impressive. But I find it impossible not to back Wang. Her form has been extraordinary, having now won 38 out of her last 41 matches to catapult herself up the rankings. The way she swept aside seventh seed Caroline Garcia with ease is ominous for Boulter.
Prediction: Wang in 2
Manuel:
Wang has been playing amazing tennis so far in New York, destroying every qualifying opponent before upsetting World #7 Caroline Garcia in the first round, dropping only five games. If she can continue playing like that, her run should continue here.
Prediction: Wang in 2
Sachia Vickery vs Greet Minnen
Jack:
Great wins for both players in the previous round but it was Sachia Vickery’s comeback victory over Donna Vekic that impressed me the most. Backed by the home crowd, Vickery feels like the safer bet, even if Greet Minnen does bring a high level to this match.
Prediction: Vickery in 3
Jordan:
It feels strange writing that Minnen may be underprepared after beating Venus Williams in the first round. But that is how much the American legend struggled. Vickery’s performance in the final set to beat 21st seed Donna Vekic was one of the best at this year’s US Open. I think the belief from that will give her a close victory.
Prediction: Vickery in 3
Manuel:
Minnen ruined the party by routing Venus Williams in the first round, while Vickery scored a fantastic upset against Donna Vekic. Both players are in good form and should be very evenly matched here, with perhaps a slight edge to the Belgium.
Prediction: Minnen in 3
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Karolina Pliskova vs Clara Burel
Jack:
I fully expected Karolina Pliskova to get ground off the court by Ruse in the first round. She’s arrived in New York playing well enough, proving she should never really be written off as a potential dark horse. Still, Clara Burel will keep the Czech significantly more off-balance than her last opponent so, if there is any rust, it’ll come to the fore here.
Prediction: Burel in 3
Jordan:
It was good to see Pliskova perform well in the opening round after what has been a very difficult season for her so far. Burel, to contrast, is having the best season of her career. However, the conditions at Flushing Meadows perfectly suit Pliskova’s game when she is playing in anyway well. That solid first round performance might just be the switch she needed to find some better overall form.
Prediction: Pliskova in 2
Manuel:
Pliskova has been struggling a lot all season and this is one of her last chances to turn things around in 2023. Burel is a solid player for sure, but Pliskova should have the edge here despite her performance so far this year.
Prediction: Pliskova in 2
Elina Svitolina vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
Jack:
Whilst Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova is no pushover, Elina Svitolina’s level has been so high in the two Slams she’s played this year. There might be tight moments but I think Svitolina will ultimately prevail through fitness in heavy conditions.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Jordan:
Pavlyuchenkova is working her way back after some injury concerns. She benefited from first round opponent Fiona Crawley struggling a lot in her first round win. The overall level of Svitolina currently is adequate to manage early rounds, even against players with an impressive CV like Pavlyuchenkova. Svitolina to keep her momentum going.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Manuel:
Pavlyuchenkova might have the edge in the head-to-head, but on their current forms Svitolina is a solid favorite and should prevail, even if her North American summer has been quite a disappointment so far after a great Wimbledon run.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
