2024 officially begins, although tennis fans have already been spoiled with high-quality tennis at the United Cup this week. Monday’s action features home favorites Australia battling against the United States, the defending United Cup champions. Arguably one of the better matchups, multiple top 20 players such as Taylor Fritz, Jessica Pegula, and Alex De Minaur feature in what should be a great battle. A lot is on the line, including ranking points and a chance to qualify for the knockout stages. As always, LWOT offers our predictions for the matches.
United Cup Day 4 Predictions
Jessica Pegula vs Ajla Tomijlanovic
Head-to-head: First meeting
Both players have the unfortunate commonality of losing to a peaking Katie Boulter this week. In what may be the best WTA match of the tournament, Boulter stunned Pegula 5-7 6-4 6-4, coming from a double-break down in the second set. The American played well, firing countless aggressive forehand winners and defending well. Yet, losing the match from a winning position certainly puts more pressure on this match. On the other hand, Boulter swept past Tomijlanovic in straight sets, with Tomijlanovic unable to counter Boulter’s offensive tennis.
Despite Pegula’s surprising loss, the American is still one of the more consistent players on tour. On the other side of the court, consistency is Tomijlanovic’s Achilles heel, something that’s lost the Aussie multiple important matches. If De Minaur falls in the men’s singles, this will be a must-win match for Tomijlanovic to win to keep Australia in the tournament. As a result, Tomijlanovic will have to play consistent tennis and notably serve well to dictate play. Both sets should be competitive in this match, but Pegula’s consistency and experience should make her the favorite.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Taylor Fritz vs Alex De Minaur
Head-to-head: De Minaur 4-3
This matchup is one of the ATP tour’s “mini-rivalries”, with both players looking to break through in Grand Slams this season. Fritz has the more impressive silverware after his 2022 BNP Paribas Open victory, but De Minaur arguably had the better 2023 season. Fritz was evenly matched against Cameron Norrie, breaking Norrie’s serve late in the second set to win 7-6 (5) 6-4. Meanwhile, De Minaur was unable to overcome Norrie’s frustrating consistency, losing to the Brit in a thrilling final-set tiebreak.
While De Minaur has the edge based on head-to-head, Fritz should likely have more confidence in this matchup. In addition to his singles victory, Fritz came up with a clutch doubles performance to lead the United States past Great Britain on Dec. 31. However, Fritz will have to employ unique strategies to get past the Aussie. De Minaur can neutralize Fritz’s offensive and aggressive game and can run down practically any shot on the court. This should result in an exciting battle, but Fritz should just have the edge. The pair’s previous three meetings all went to a deciding set.
Prediction: Fritz in 3
Jessica Pegula/Taylor Fritz vs Storm Hunter/Matthew Ebden
Head-to-head: First meeting
This match could be a decisive factor for which team moves on, or it could be played as a dead rubber. Both pairs won their first doubles match during the United Cup, making this match all the more intriguing, especially if it is the ultimate tiebreaker. Pegula, Hunter and Ebden are all experienced veterans on the doubles courts, with all players claiming at least a 1000-level title. While Fritz lacks doubles experience on the big stage, he played very well in his first doubles match against Great Britain.
While the American pair are perhaps the favorites to win the preceding singles matches, the combined experience of Hunter and Ebden may give them a slight edge in this matchup. If the overall tie isn’t already decided by this point, the crowd will additionally play a significant element in firing up the home Aussie favorites.
Prediction: Hunter/Ebden in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey USAToday
