The third round concludes on Day 6 of the US Open, and we will be treated to eight women’s matches as we find out who reaches the Round of 16. Will Iga Swiatek continue her dominant form? Will we see even more upsets? As always, our writers share their thoughts on the matches. We split Saturday’s eight matches between two articles–with the other article featuring Jessica Pegula vs Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. Predicting these matches are Jordan Reynolds, Ilemona Onekutu, and Jim Smith. Who do you think will advance?
US Open Day 6 Women’s Predictions
Caroline Wozniacki vs Jessika Ponchet
Jordan:
Ponchet benefited from Elena Rybakina withdrawing from the US Open before their scheduled match. The Frenchwoman has a an old school style that is unique in tennis today, including short backswings and rushes to the net. That style is one the solid baseliner Wozniacki may not enjoy facing. However, it is still unlikely to be enough to see her crash out of the tournament.
Prediction: Wozniacki in 3
Ilemona:
Wozniacki has been at her vintage best and it will take something special to stop her run. Jessika Ponchet got lucky with the withdrawal of fourth seed Elena Rybakina in the second set. She will face much of the same problems she would have had in the previous round. Namely how to deal with the power behind the balls coming from the opposite side of the net.2
Prediction: Wozniacki in 2
Jim:
Jessika Ponchet may have had some good fortune when her second-round opponent Elena Rybakina withdrew, but the French qualifier has earned that luck. But will she have enough to get the better of former-world #1 Caroline Wozniacki? It’s not hard unthinkable, but in the end the Dane should have the edge.
Prediction: Wozniacki in 3
Ashlyn Krueger vs Liudmila Samsonova
Jordan:
This is a tough one to call between two powerful hitters. Krueger easily defeated Mirra Andreeva in the last round, while Samsonova recovered from a set and 2-5 down in the last round against Marie Bouzkova. Neither woman will change their style and this will come down to who implements their game better on the day. I will go for Krueger, but this is a 50/50 matchup.
Prediction: Krueger in 3
Ilemona:
Samsonova’s unforced errors count in her previous rounds will concern her going into the next match against Ashlyn Krueger who has not been giving too much away and who doubtless will have a loud crowd behind her.
Prediction: Krueger in 3
Jim:
Liudmila Samsonova’s power should give her too much for the valiant Ashlyn Krueger in conditions that favour the Russian’s attacking style of play. But it has been a good tournament for Krueger.
Prediction: Samsonova in 3
Jasmine Paolini vs Yulia Putintseva
Jordan:
This is a fascinating matchup. Putintseva will try and disrupt Paolini’s rhythm as often as possible by using her slice and changing the pace. Paolini has a pretty complete game that seems suited to dealing with that style, although Putintseva has beaten both Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff this year. Nonetheless, I trust Paolini to come through, and think she will do it in two competitive sets.
Prediction: Paolini in 2
Ilemona:
Yulia Putinsteva is a fierce competitor and will fancy her chance against Paolini, who has not played a lot of tennis since the Olympics in Paris. Whether Pliskova’s retirement will work to Paolini’s disadvantage in regard to her match sharpness will be interesting to see. Expect her to be tested to the fullest.
Prediction: Paolini in 3
Jim:
Jasmine Paolini’s summer of success has continued so far at the US Open. The Italian might just come unstuck against one of the bigger hitters in the draw, but it would be a real surprise if she were to lose to Putintseva.
Prediction: Paolini in 2
Jessica Pegula vs Jessica Bouzas Maneiro
Jordan:
Bouzas Maneiro is improving quickly on hard courts and has a big future ahead of her in the sport. The reality is Pegula is just a better player than her right now, especially on hard courts. This year’s US Open feels like one of her best chances to get past the quarterfinal of a Grand Slam. It is hard to imagine Bouzas Maneiro being the one to stop that from happening.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Ilemona:
Jessica Pegula is undoubtedly one of the players in contention for the title if she maintains the that has seen her win a title and make the final in the lead up events for this slam. Bouzas Maneiro has announced herself to the world with two wins at her maiden US Open appearance. This to back up her third-round finish at Wimbledon. Pegula will be too big a hurdle for the young Spaniard to surpass.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Jim:
Jessica Pegula’s career has been built on winning matches like this. This tournament may not be the stage for her to finally break her quarterfinal curse, but she should beat the Spaniard to keep her hopes of doing so alive.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Main Photo Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports
