It promises to be an entertaining start at the US Open with 20 matches on the slate on day one in New York. As ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate, including Jessica Pegula vs Mayar Sherif, Emma Raducanu vs Ena Shibahara, Jasmine Paolini vs Destanee Aiava, and Victoria Azarenka vs Hina Inoue. But who will book their spot in the second round?
US Open Day 1 Predictions
Aryna Sabalenka vs Rebeka Masarova
Ilemona: Aryna Sabalenka hasn’t had the smoothest summer, but her game tends to hold up well on the big stages, especially on hard courts where she’s played some of her best tennis. Rebecca Masarova has struggled for wins lately and hasn’t made much impact on this surface. It feels like a tall task for her to turn that around here.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Zain: Despite being prone to some early-round rust, this should be a straightforward win for the defending champion. Sabalenka’s power game should ultimately overwhelm Masarova, especially on the big stage of New York.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Jordan: Sabalenka is the best in the world at dominating early-round Grand Slam matches. I see no possibility of that changing here. Masarova does nothing better than the defending champion at Flushing Meadows.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
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Clara Tauson vs Alexandra Eala
Ilemona: Clara Tauson has been piecing together some solid wins this summer, showing more consistency in her aggressive baseline game. Eala, meanwhile, has been building experience on tour but hasn’t quite matched that level of firepower yet. If Tauson keeps her rhythm, she should be in control of the exchanges.
Prediction: Tauson in 3
Zain: One of the stories of the season so far, Eala’s game seems well-suited to slick hard courts, but Tauson’s recent form and heavy ball-striking give her the edge. Expect Tauson to come through in a competitive match.
Prediction: Tauson in 3
Jordan: Tauson is enjoying a career-best season. However, I like Eala’s chances in this matchup. She already has one of the best returns in the women’s game, a crucial weapon against Tauson, and can also mix up her game to disrupt the Dane.
Prediction: Eala in 2
Lucia Bronzetti vs Tereza Valentova
Ilemona: Lucia Bronzetti has been grinding through her matches in recent weeks, though her record on hard courts doesn’t inspire the same confidence as on clay. Valentova comes in with less tour-level experience, but her fearless hitting can trouble more established opponents. This one could be tighter than the rankings suggest.
Prediction: Valentova in 3
Zain: Bronzetti’s consistency and movement should prove too steady for Valentova, who is still gaining experience at this level. While Valentova may show flashes of talent, Bronzetti likely wears her down en route to victory.
Prediction: Bronzetti in 2
Jordan: Valentova was dominant in her three qualifying matches. The Czech has a realistic chance of beating the inconsistent Bronzetti. It could be tight, but I am backing the Czech.
Prediction: Valentova in 3
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McCartney Kessler vs Magda Linette
Ilemona: Magda Linette has the benefit of experience and a track record of being steady on hard courts, even if her form in recent weeks hasn’t been at its best. Kessler is still adjusting to the tour’s demands and hasn’t yet found her footing at this level. That makes the task of breaking through here particularly challenging.
Prediction: Linette in 3
Zain: This is one of the more intriguing first-round matchups. Linette’s baseline skills could carry her, but Kessler will have the backing of a passionate home crowd, and with her serve, she could edge out a tight three-set battle.
Prediction: Kessler in 3
Jordan: This is among the most challenging hard court matchups the seeded Kessler could have gotten. There will be plenty of lengthy rallies between two women who do not mind grinding out wins. The American is the favorite, but Linette has a chance if her formidable backhand fires.
Prediction: Kessler in 3
Main photo credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
