With 20 matches on the slate on day one at the US Open, there should be plenty of entertaining tennis for the fans to enjoy. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate, including Jessica Pegula vs Mayar Sherif, Aryna Sabalenka vs Rebeka Masarova, Jasmine Paolini vs Destanee Aiava, and Victoria Azarenka vs Hina Inoue. But who will advance?
US Open Day 1 Predictions
Emma Navarro vs Wang Yafan
Ilemona: Emma Navarro has been one of the most consistent performers on tour this year, carrying her sharp baseline play across surfaces. Wang Yafan is always capable of pushing matches long, but she hasn’t had the same run of results on hard courts. Navarro’s steady form could make the difference here.
Prediction: Navarro in 2
Zain: Although not in her best form, Emma Navarro’s topspin-heavy game is tough to overcome on these courts. Wang Yafan can trade well from the baseline, but with the home crowd behind her, Navarro should pull through.
Prediction: Navarro in 2
Jordan: Navarro has lost five of her last six matches, and faces a dangerous first match against an opponent who had a surprising run to last year’s fourth-round. But Wang has struggled to build on that unexpected success, and she might never reach that level at a Grand Slam again. Navarro to win.
Prediction: Navarro in 2
Embed from Getty Images
Emma Raducanu vs Ena Shibahara
Ilemona: Emma Raducanu has shown flashes of her old shot-making in recent weeks, even if her results remain uneven as she rebuilds confidence. Shibahara is better known for her doubles skills and hasn’t had much impact in singles lately. If Raducanu keeps her level steady, she should have the edge.
Prediction: Raducanu in 2
Zain: Emma Raducanu’s superior singles pedigree gives her a big edge over Ena Shibahara, who has focused mainly on doubles in recent years. If Raducanu stays aggressive, this should be a comfortable win.
Prediction: Raducanu in 2
Jordan: Raducanu is arguably in her best form since winning the 2021 US Open. Expect the Briton to be too good for Shibahara, who competes hard and always fights, but will probably be unable to match Raducanu’s baseline hitting.
Prediction: Raducanu in 2
Anna Blinkova vs Yulia Starodubtseva
Ilemona: Anna Blinkova comes in with a solid base of hard-court experience, though her form has been patchy over the summer. Starodubtseva is still carving her way onto the tour and hasn’t faced too many players at this level yet. That gulf in experience could prove decisive.
Prediction: Blinkova in 3
Zain: Anna Blinkova’s tour-level experience should carry her through, though she’ll need to stay sharp against the fearless Yulia Starodubtseva. Expect Blinkova to control proceedings and advance without much trouble.
Prediction: Blinkova in 2
Jordan: This could be among the closest opening round matches. Both women try to dominate in the rallies, but the Ukrainian relies slightly more on power. Blinkova is narrowly favoured to hold off this challenge and progress in New York.
Prediction: Blinkova in 3
Embed from Getty Images
Olga Danilovic vs Moyuka Uchijima
Ilemona: Olga Danilovic has been gaining ground with her aggressive left-handed game, though hard courts haven’t always brought her best results. Uchijima has been building a reputation for consistency and has quietly picked up wins on this surface. This feels like one of those matches that could turn on just a few big points.
Prediction: Uchijima in 3
Zain: Olga Danilovic’s lefty power game presents a tricky matchup. Moyuka Uchijima’s consistency could test her, but Danilovic has the bigger weapons to edge this one.
Prediction: Danilovic in 3
Jordan: Danilovic has improved outside of clay in the last 12 months. The winner in this match probably depends on which player can use their forehand most effectively. Uchijima hits her forehand with heavy topspin, a style Danilovic usually handles well. That might prove the difference.
Prediction: Danilovic in 2
Main photo credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
