Caroline Wozniacki, a former US Open finalist, is in action in first round play at the US Open, as we preview and predict every match.
Caroline Wozniacki vs Nao Hibino
Tope: Nao Hibino struggled through the qualifiers – dropping a set in each match to make it to her first US open main draw since 2017. She won’t get any favours from Wozinacki who is a two-time finalist here and wants to dance to her swansong. Wozinacki in 2
Jim: Caroline Wozniacki is not the force she once was, but she is still capable of competing at this level – demonstrating as much with her run to the third round at Wimbledon. This looks like a winnable match for the Dane. Wozniacki in 2
Jordan: Although Wozniacki is far past her prime, North American hard courts represent her best chance of going far at a Grand Slam. She proved that during her run at Flushing Meadows last year. Hibino has a similar dogged style to the Dane, but she does not do it to the same level. Wozniacki in 2
Jasmine Paolini vs Bianca Andreescu
Tope: Bianca Andreescu is still reeling from two first round losses in Toronto and Cincinatti and I don’t see her fortunes changing against a top 10 player who hasn’t lost consecutive matches since May. Paolini in 2
Jim: A tough first-round draw for both, but probably more so for Bianca Andreescu. The Canadian has been struggling to generate momentum in recent weeks and coming up against one of the form players on the Tour isn’t likely to help on that score. Paolini in 2
Jordan: Andreescu is hoping to avoid a third consecutive Grand Slam defeat to Paolini. The US Open is her best chance of upsetting the Italian, but it is still unlikely. Andreescu’s poor form ahead of the year’s final Grand Slam does not help her cause. Paolini in 2
Daria Saville vs Ena Shibahara
Tope: Daria Saville hasn’t played since Wimbledon and I think she might be a little rusty against Shibahara who’s great on hardcourts and will be motivated to make something of her debut. Shibahara in 3
Jim: This could probably go either way, but Ena Shibahara did impress in coming through the qualifying, whilst Daria Saville has been out of action since the Olympics. That match sharpness might just give the Japanese a decisive edge. Shibahara in 3
Jordan: Saville has not played a singles match since Wimbledon nearly two months ago. Her achievements are much higher than Shibahara, but the qualifier has match practice on her side. Adjusting after so long away from the singles court could be tough for Saville, making an upset possible. Shibahara in 3
Shuai Zhang vs Ashlyn Krueger
Tope: Shuai Zhang broke the record of the longest losing streak in women’s tennis in the Open Era and she looks set to extend it against Krueger who will have the home crowd behind her. Krueger in 2
Jim: This looks another tough one to call. Ashlyn Krueger appears to have a bright future and will be able to call upon the support of her home crowd, but Zhang Shuai does have a significant advantage in terms of experience. That should prove to be the difference. Zhang in 3
Jordan: Zhang is trying to break a streak of 22 consecutive singles defeats. Doing it against Krueger at her home Grand Slam is unlikely. The American should have too much firepower for the struggling Zhang. Krueger in 2
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
