The second round starts on Day 3 of the US Open, with 16 women’s matches scheduled for Wednesday. As always, our writers here at LWOT will share their thoughts on all the matches for you. We split the 16 matches between four articles. In addition to this article, the others feature Coco Gauff vs Tatjana Maria, Madison Keys vs Maya Joint, and Aryna Sabalenka vs Lucia Bronzetti. Predicting these matches are Jordan Reynolds, Manuel Traquete, and Ilemona Onekutu. Who do you think will advance?
US Open Day 3 Women’s Predictions
Emma Navarro vs Arantxa Rus
Jordan:
Both players like to grind and extend the rallies. Unfortunately for Rus, Navarro simply does that better than her, especially on a hard court. The American will have no problems in this match.
Prediction: Navarro in 2
Manuel:
Navarro has been steadily rising in both level and ranking and she seems to have a very good draw here at the US Open to try and make a solid run. She is a very clear favorite in this second-round encounter against the World #93.
Prediction: Navarro in 2
Ilemona:
Emma Navarro has been one of the standout performers on tour in the last eight months across all surfaces and playing at her home Slam should make her a potent threat to just about anyone in the draw. Rus can fight for it and probably hang for a few games but Navarro is a hill too steep for her to cross.
Prediction: Navarro in 2
Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Iva Jovic
Jordan:
Any further wins are a bonus for 16-year-old Jovic after her triumph against Magda Linette. She cannot be ruled out against Alexandrova, who is prone to days where she makes a lot of errors. Her firepower might be too much for the teenager if she finds her range, though.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 3
Manuel:
Jovic is only sixteen years old but she most definitely can’t be underestimated here, especially after her fantastic first round win against Linette. That said, at this point Alexandrova should have an edge based on physicality and experience. This is still one of the matches to watch and perhaps the biggest story of the day on the WTA side of things.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 3
Ilemona:
16-year-old Iva Jovic was one of the standout stories on Day 1 after she caused a significant upset against the out of sorts Magda Linette. That win should imbue her with the belief needed to cause another major upset. I back her to continue her dream run.
Prediction: Jovic in 3
Elise Mertens vs Ajla Tomljanovic
Jordan:
This could be a long match. The winner might be determined by which player is most willing to go outside their comfort zone and play more aggressively. I trust Mertens more complete game slightly more to come through what is likely to be a battle.
Prediction: Mertens in 3
Manuel:
Tomljanovic is certainly a far bigger threat here than the ranking difference would suggest, but Mertens is still the more solid and consistent player. Tomljanovic has actually been struggling quite a bit lately, making an upset an even more unlikely outcome here.
Prediction: Mertens in 3
Ilemona:
Elise Mertens has been quietly getting past most players she should naturally beat and this match on paper should not be any different. Ajla has a slight advantage in the head-to-head however and that fact should be enough to keep Mertens on her toes throughout.
Prediction: Mertens in 3
Victoria Azarenka vs Clara Burel
Jordan:
Burel’s win from 0-6 1-4 down against Sloane Stephens was crazy to watch. She will not get away with such a poor start against Azarenka. The three-time runner-up is still solid against players ranked below her and I expect her to progress.
Prediction: Azarenka in 2
Manuel:
Azarenka is a former 3-time finalist at this tournament, who is looking for an unlikely first title at this stage of her career. That said, she is still playing at a very competitive level can never be fully discounted. Against Burel, she should have a very clear edge.
Prediction: Azarenka in 2
Ilemona:
Victoria Azarenka got off to a slow start in her first-round match after dropping the first set against Ukrainian qualifier Starodubtseva but quickly found her range for the remainder of the match. That level, should she maintain it, should see her through to the third round. I back her to find it.
Prediction: Azarenka in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
