The third round of the women’s singles starts on Day 5 of the US Open. We get eight matches on Friday, as players will be searching for a coveted second week appearance. Who will get that, and who will fall short? As always, our writers here at LWOT share their thoughts on the matches with you. We split the eight matches between this and a separate article. Predicting these matches are Jordan Reynolds, Damian Kust, and Jim Smith. Who do you think will advance?
US Open Day 5 Women’s Predictions
Iga Swiatek vs Kaja Juvan
Jordan:
Swiatek’s competitive match against Donna Vekic was perfect for testing her level. She stood up to the task well. It should also be a good quality contest against the woman who knocked out Laura Davis. But Swiatek won’t be stopped.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Damian:
The two friends from the junior days met twice on the pro circuit in 2021 with Swiatek coming out on top twice. It feels like her edge has only gotten bigger since. While undeniably a talented player, Juvan’s path to success has been a lot more rocky. This likely isn’t where the World No. 1 encounters her first issues during this fortnight.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Jim:
It’s been a great few days for Kaja Juvan, but this is a huge step up in quality of opposition for the Slovenian. Iga Swiatek did have to weather a few blows from Daria Saville in the second round after demolishing Rebecca Peterson, but never really looked like losing. Expect a similar outcome here.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Jelena Ostapenko vs Bernarda Pera
Jordan:
Ostapenko’s second round match was of poor quality by her standards despite winning, and she will need to improve. Pera is usually more comfortable on clay, and has surprised me with her run. I feel Ostapenko will improve on her second round showing though, and come through this one. Two performances like her second round in a row would be a shock.
Prediction: Ostapenko in 3
Damian:
We all know what sort of loose cannon Ostapenko is and while she performed admirably against Paolini, she almost blew a 6-3 5-2 lead versus Avanesyan. She remains the favorite here though and while Pera can derail her a bit with the lefty topspin, this ultimately is on the Latvian’s racket.
Prediction: Ostapenko in 2
Jim:
This match could probably go either way – but what will decide it will be how well Jelena Ostapenko plays. Based on the fairly erratic tennis she has played so far, the solid and composed Bernarda Pera looks the likelier winner.
Prediction: Pera in 3
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Belinda Bencic vs Lin Zhu
Jordan:
Zhu proved in her outstanding win against Azarenka that she can create upsets. But I doubt there will be a repeat against Bencic. The Swiss is building momentum nicely, and she is my dark horse for a deep run at Flushing Meadows. The conditions suit her game perfectly.
Prediction: Bencic in 2
Damian:
Bencic often doesn’t perform at Slams, but the US Open has actually been great for her over the years with three quarterfinal appearances. She should be pretty dangerous here again and made quick work of her first two opponents. Zhu in the best season of her career is not to be underestimated, but Benci is the better player.
Prediction: Bencic in 2
Jim:
Belinda Bencic has looked sharp so far in New York. There are too many players with the weaponry to beat the Swiss to think she could win the title, but it would be a surprise if she failed to reach the second week.
Prediction: Bencic in 2
Caroline Wozniacki vs Jennifer Brady
Jordan:
There is a feel good factor about this one. Wozniacki is inspiring with her form so soon after being away for over three years, while Brady doing the same after being injured for two years. I am going with Brady to stop Wozniacki’s story for now. I think she will find her big hitting more regularly than Kvitová did against Wozniacki.
Prediction: Brady in 3
Damian:
Are we really getting this matchup in 2023? In fact it’s pretty wild we’re getting it at all as when Brady emerged as a top player, Wozniacki was already retiring. This looks pretty even now and likely a fun clash of styles. The rock-solid game of the 2009/2014 finalist is a bit more reliable than the forehand offense of the 2020 semifinalist, maybe that will be key.
Prediction: Wozniacki in 3
Jim:
It’s been some return to professional tennis for Caroline Wozniacki. Beating Petra Kvitova has opened up her section of the draw and don’t be surprised if she takes advantage – at Jennifer Brady’s expense.
Prediction: Wozniacki in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
