Danielle Collins has a marquee match against Caroline Dolehide in round 1 of the US Open in New York, our panelists preview and predict every match.
Danielle Collins vs Caroline Dolehide
Jim: Danielle Collins form has tailed off slightly in recent weeks, but the American will doubtless be determined to perform on home soil at her final Major. It is hard to see her reaching the later rounds, but she should have the edge here. Collins in 3
Jordan: This is an awkward opening matchup for Collins in her final US Open. A first round defeat last week in Monterrey was her only match before the event due to an injury, and she could have used an easy match to start. Dolehide usually plays her best tennis in home conditions. I’ll back Collins to get over the line, but I expect a close match. Collins in 3
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova vs Taylah Preston
Jim: Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova is one of a few veterans in the draw for whom there will likely not be many more trips to New York. But the 33-year-old will not be planning to pull the plug on her career that soon and she showed in reaching the quarterfinals in Cincinnati that she is still competitive. She should have too much for the untried Australian Taylah Preston. Pavlyuchenkova in 3
Jordan: Pavlyuchenkova is inconsistent, but she did have a strong run to the quarterfinals of the Cincinnati Open at her last tournament. Preston is dangerous at her best and will not be intimidated by the former Grand Slam runner-up’s presence. Pavlyuchenkova is still the favorite, though. Pavlyuchenkova in 2
Leylah Fernandez vs Anastasia Potapova
Jim: It might be fairly said that neither Leylah Fernandez nor Anastasia Potapova has achieved what had been expected of them, though both still have plenty of time on their side. But the US Open has not been a particularly happy hunting ground for Fernandez since her run to the final in 2021 and with Potapova in good form, it might be another frustrating trip to the Big Apple for the Canadian. Potapova in 3
Jordan: Potapova blew a great chance to reach the final in Cleveland a few days ago, but it was still an encouraging tournament for her. Fernandez will be the aggressor in this match, taking the ball early to disrupt Potapova. The Canadian has a more complete game and should be confident of progressing in New York. Fernandez in 2
Wang Xinyu vs Arina Rodionova
Jim: If Wang Xinyu, who last year reached the fourth round at the US Open, plays her best tennis, she should win this match. The Chinese has not exactly been a model of consistency, but it would be a surprise to see her lose to the Australian. Wang in 2
Jordan: Wang’s game is so dangerous when it flows, as Jessica Pegula found out at Wimbledon. She is also most comfortable playing on hard courts. Rodionova is a gritty competitor, but I trust Wang’s baseline prowess more. Wang in 2
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
