It promises to be an entertaining start to the second week at the US Open with four intriguing fourth-round matches on the schedule. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the schedule. But who will advance?
US Open Day 7 Predictions
Iga Swiatek vs Jelena Ostapenko
Jim: Iga Swiatek has been entirely untroubled in reaching the fourth round. In the first and third round, she dropped just one game. Jelena Ostapenko should cause her a few more problems with her easy power, but the Pole’s accuracy and court-coverage should see her safely through into the quarterfinals.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Jordan: Swiatek is seeking to overturn Ostapenko’s 0-3 head-to-head against her. It is the type of hard court that makes her more likely to do so. The heavier balls and slightly slower conditions this year play into Swiatek’s hands. Ostapenko’s very aggressive style should be thwarted this time.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Damian: Ostapenko leads the head-to-head 3-0, but all of these took place before Swiatek’s 37-match win streak. The Latvian definitely has one of the best skill sets to crush the World No. 1’s second serve and go hard at her FH. But it’s always going to be a matter of consistency and with the Pole’s class defensive movement, she will be the favorite.
Prediction: Swiatek in 3
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Caroline Wozniacki vs Coco Gauff
Jim: Caroline Wozniacki’s comeback is going better than surely even the Dane could have imagined. But she has not yet had come up against many players of Coco Gauff’s quality since she returned to the court. The only really point of comparison is Marketa Vondrousova, and she beat the Dane comfortably in Montreal.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Jordan: This blockbuster match is where a majority think Wozniacki’s excellent Grand Slam return ends. But I disagree. Gauff has not looked at her best so far, needing to fight through her matches amid many unforced errors. The incredibly solid Dane is a nightmare matchup in that scenario. Of course there is a chance of the American raising her game, but my instinct is that Wozniacki will create big headlines on Arthur Ashe.
Prediction: Wozniacki in 3
Damian: A generational battle that we never really thought was possible. Wozniacki is so impressive after her comeback with unbelievable fitness and determination. It doesn’t seem like her game has changed all that much during her time away though, there’s no new more aggressive version à la Svitolina. Gauff is so confident right now that I kind of trust her to figure things out.
Prediction: Gauff in 3
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Sorana Cirstea vs Belinda Bencic
Jim: A great win for Sorana Cirstea in the third round. But will she be able to back it up against Bencic? It’s not unthinkable, but it is the Swiss who should be accounted the favourite here. She has a very well-rounded game and if she does not quite have that ‘x-factor’ that some of her rivals possess, she should still have enough to get past Cirstea.
Prediction: Bencic in 3
Jordan: Bencic’s game is more naturally suited to the conditions in New York. But Cirstea produced an incredible performance against Rybakina, and has every chance here. The Swiss though is a little quicker around the court than Rybakina. That could make the difference through extracting enough unforced errors from the Romanian.
Prediction: Bencic in 3
Damian: Cirstea scored that great win against Rybakina and has been going deep in lots of these big events on hard courts this year. Bencic usually underperforms at the Slams, but the US Open has actually been successful for her as she’s trying to lock up her fourth quarterfinal. I think she gets there again.
Prediction: Bencic in 2
Karolina Muchova vs Wang Xinyu
Jim: Karolina Muchova is another player to have reached the fourth round without really breaking a sweat. Wang Xinyu has had to work harder for her spot in the second week, but has looked sharp all the same. Still, this might well prove to be a challenge too far for the 21-year-old.
Prediction: Muchova in 3
Jordan: Muchova’s win against Taylor Townsend was more impressive than many realise. The American piled on the pressure in the first set, but the French Open finalist kept her composure superbly in front of a passionate crowd to win in straight sets. Wang is certainly no pushover. Ultimately though Muchova’s more complete game on a hard court should be able to come through.
Prediction: Muchova in 2
Damian: Wang caught some brilliant form with that ITF title in Landisville and the quarterfinal run in Cleveland. It’s good to see that she carried that over into the US Open swing as well. Is this where the fairytale ends? Likely. Muchova is finally realizing her full potential and remains healthy, plus she has all that variety and tennis IQ to help her disarm the youngster’s game.
Prediction: Muchova in 2
Main photo credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
