We complete the fourth round on Day 8 of the US Open, and four more women will book quarterfinal spots by the end of the day Monday. Who will reach the last eight and who will fall flat? As always, our writers share their thoughts on all four matches. Predicting these matches are Jordan Reynolds, Damian Kust, and Ilemona Onekutu. Who do you think will advance?
US Open Day 8 Women’s Predictions
Diana Shnaider vs Jessica Pegula
Jordan:
This is a dangerous match for Pegula. Shnaider is one of the most improved players in tennis, and a tough matchup for anyone when she is at her best. Ultimately, it is tough to go against Pegula’s consistency after her recent results, but this could be a battle that gives the American No. 2 some scares along the way.
Prediction: Pegula in 3
Damian:
Shnaider is in fantastic form this year and certainly not to be underestimated. But it was Pegula who stopped her in the Toronto semis and she’ll be the favorite to do it again. It’s been a weird season for the American with injuries troubling her from time to time, but the way she has rebuilt herself for the North American hard court season is so impressive.
Prediction: Pegula in 3
Ilemona:
Jessica Pegula would fond memories from the last time she faced off against Shnaider as she beat her in the semifinal of Toronto on her way to defend her title. She is the favorite to progress once more on yet another quest to create history. Shnaider will ask a few questions on the day but Pegula should be more than ready with the answers.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Caroline Wozniacki vs Beatriz Haddad Maia
Jordan:
Haddad Maia has found form again after a difficult season to date. Wozniacki was not spoken about much before the tournament, but the Danish veteran is having a great run in New York. The year’s final Grand Slam has brought out her best tennis since her comeback, after she also reached the fourth round last year. Overall, I give Wozniacki the edge in what promises to be a long match.
Prediction: Wozniacki in 3
Damian:
Wozniacki has had a really easy draw so far and this will be her first test. Seems like Haddad Maia really got herself going in Cleveland after a weaker patch of late, she’s back to hitting with loads of confidence now. The veteran hasn’t looked that impressive and might struggle to match Haddad Maia’s peak game if it makes an appearance on the day.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 3
Ilemona:
Wozniacki has quietly put together a formidable run. The two-time finalist here has no doubt announced herself as one of the dark horses left in the draw. A fourth-round clash against Haddad Maia will present the first real test for the Danish player. With enough consistency, she should come through.
Prediction: Wozniacki in 3
Karolina Muchova vs Jasmine Paolini
Jordan:
This is such an exciting matchup between two of the most watchable players in tennis. Muchova’s complete game has been a joy to watch, but Paolini usually plays well against opponents with variety. The Italian is also a very complete player and can mix that with her baseline grit. Despite Muchova’s level so far, Paolini’s two major finals this year show she is clutch in these tricky matchups before the final, and that might prove to be the difference.
Prediction Paolini in 3
Damian:
Paolini’s consistency at the Majors this year is just unbelievable, especially considering she hadn’t been past the second round of a Grand Slam before 2024. She has consistently been the “best of the rest” and while that’s impressive, I can’t pick her against a more talented player with a much higher upside (whose only real tennis issue is health).
Prediction Muchova in 3
Ilemona:
Muchova has a 3-0 lead in the head to head but Paolini was a different player the last time they met. This year she has been to the final of two grand slams and surged to the number 5 spot in the rankings. This match will be tough; however, I back Paolini’s Grand Slam streak to continue.
Prediction Paolini in 3
Iga Swiatek vs Liudmila Samsonova
Jordan:
Samsonova must serve excellently to have a chance of defeating the world No. 1. Swiatek was superb in her last two matches and the draw looks open for her to reach another final at Flushing Meadows. Samsonova hits her groundstrokes flatly, but I do not think she can rush Swiatek enough in the medium speed conditions.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Damian:
This rivalry has been a bit of a lottery in regards to whether the match between them is close or not. Swiatek is more comfortable on these courts than she was in Cincinnati and it’s showing, but she’s still relatively vulnerable. If she plays Samsonova as cautiously as she did in Beijing last year, the big hitter will have a tough time keeping the error count in check.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Ilemona:
Iga Swiatek has looked sharper and sharper as the rounds have progressed. This would have put the rest the field on notice. The world No. 1 is often unplayable when she finds her rhythm. Samsonova is an opponent whose game Swiatek knows well with three wins in as many meetings. This should be an easy win for Swiatek.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
