The third round starts on Friday, Day 5 at the 2024 US Open. Eight exciting matches means eight women will find themselves moving on to the second week. But which women will it be? As always, our writers share their thoughts on all the matches. We split the eight matches between this and a second article, featuring Aryna Sabalenka vs Ekaterina Alexandrova. Predicting these matches are Jordan Reynolds, Glenys Furness, and Ilemona Onekutu. Who do you think will win?
US Open Day 5 Women’s Predictions
Qinwen Zheng vs Jule Niemeier
Jordan:
Zheng crashed 20 aces in the last round, and will be a challenge to anyone if she keeps serving like that. Niemeier has already had a good tournament and has nothing to lose here. But I do not see her aggressive style being effective enough to overcome Zheng.
Prediction: Zheng in 2
Glenys:
Zheng as the seventh seed should be the favourite here. The Chinese has not had an easy path to the third round, having to battle hard in both rounds. Niemeier, though took out #32 seed in the first round. The second round saw the German dominate the second set and move through to this stage. Niemeier looks to be the better on form and could surprise Zheng.
Prediction: Niemeier in 3
Ilemona:
The Olympic Gold Medalist and Chinese No. 1 should be happy with her progress so far after having minimal preparation for the last Slam of the year due to her eventful summer in Europe. She would hope to elevate her performance as she draws closer to the business need of the draw if she is to make her mark here. Niemeier will face a better adjusted version of Zheng.
Prediction: Zheng in 2
Emma Navarro vs Martha Kostyuk
Jordan:
Navarro beat Kostyuk in two tight sets at the National Bank Open a few weeks ago. These two are among the best athletes in women’s tennis, meaning long rallies are guaranteed. Navarro has a slightly more complete game, allowing her to use her slice and change the pace more effectively than Kostyuk. That might make the difference again.
Prediction: Navarro in 2
Glenys:
Emma Navarro has barely put a foot wrong in the first two rounds. The American has only lost four games over the two matches so far. Kostyuk has also gone through in straight sets, but not as easily. Brit Harriet Dart forced a tight first set last time out. Based on the first two rounds, this will only be going one way.
Prediction: Navarro in 2
Ilemona:
Emma Navarro did not give her opponent any chances in the second round. Kostyuk will be a step up in quality but Navarro can match her stroke for stroke and pull off a few unanswered shots of her own.
Prediction: Navarro in 2
Victoria Azarenka vs Yafan Wang
Jordan:
This is 30-year-old Wang’s first US Open third-round appearance. She has a gritty style of play, and Azarenka does not always thrive against that, preferring when her opponents give her pace. However, the quality of the three-time US Open runner-up’s hitting should still be good enough to overcome Wang.
Prediction: Azarenka in 2
Glenys:
Victoria Azarenka has played okay to get to this stage. After a hard fought first round match, the Belarussian eased through the second round to set up this match. Wang has so far been excellent. After Sakkari retired in the first round, the Chinese has only lost four games. As tough as this appears to be, another seed will fall here.
Prediction Wang in 2
Ilemona:
Yafan Wang was lucky to get a withdrawal from World No. 9 Maria Sakkari in Round 1 after just three games due to injury. She has gone on to stake a claim by winning her second round clash. Azarenka’s level might not win her the title outright but it should see her through here.
Prediction: Azarenka in 3
Coco Gauff vs Elina Svitolina
Jordan:
There is still uncertainty surrounding Gauff ahead of her tough third round matchup against Svitolina. The Ukrainian is unlikely to let her off the hook if she serves as badly as the previous round against Tatjana Maria. Gauff’s groundstrokes and movement could still bail her out, but this promises to be close.
Prediction: Gauff in 3
Glenys:
Coco Gauff is the third seed and has strolled through the first two rounds. The first round the American lost only two games and the second round she lost only four. Svitolina battled through the first-round match and had to go the distance, but then dominated the second round. The Ukranian is getting better as the rounds go on. However, the American seems to be unstoppable at the moment.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Ilemona:
Svitolina brushed off the troubles she faced in her first-round match and delivered a straightforward performance against her country woman in the second round. A fact that would give Gauff some pause as she faced some of her usual problems in the first set of her second round match before cruising to victory in the end. This match up will deliver fireworks, a settled Gauff should have all the answers in the end.
Prediction: Gauff in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
