The first round of women’s singles at the US Open wraps up on Tuesday, Day 3 of the event. There are 20 matches remaining to be contested, and our writers here at LastWordOnTennis share their thoughts on them. We split the 20 matches between five articles. The other four feature Naomi Osaka vs Greet Minnen, Coco Gauff vs Ajla Tomljanovic, Amanda Anisimova vs Clara Burel, and Danielle Collins vs Jaqueline Cristian. Predicting these matches are Tope Oke, Jordan Reynolds, and Ilemona Onekutu. Who do you think will advance?
US Open Day 3 Women’s Predictions
Sofia Kenin vs Ashlyn Krueger
Tope:
Sofia Kenin has the advantage of having advanced deep into Grand Slam tournaments, and although she hasn’t achieved the consistent success she aimed for post-2020, she still poses a significant challenge to any rival. Ashlyn Krueger is as tough an opponent as they come and this promises to be a good watch for the fans. All in all, I expect the younger American to prevail the longer the match goes.
Prediction: Krueger in 3
Jordan:
When Kenin is playing well, she possesses an ideal style for defusing power. That makes her a slight favorite against Krueger, but Kenin’s inconsistency makes it impossible to predict her matches with confidence.
Prediction: Kenin in 3
Ilemona:
Sofia Kenin has been piecing her game back together this year, showing glimpses of the control and shot selection that once carried her to a major title but the results have been mixed. Krueger, though, has been on a similar trajectory, with her power game failing to click as it did last year. They split wins in their two previous meetings, and another close battle could be on the cards.
Prediction: Kenin in 3
Suzan Lamens vs Valerie Glozman
Tope:
Suzan Lamens should take a respite from her opening round losses in Montreal, Cincinnati and Cleveland to win on her debut in New York. She surely cannot lose to the 902nd-ranked teenage wild card.
Prediction: Lamens in 2
Jordan:
Lamens is a player who could achieve more consistent success with how talented she is. Although frustrating to watch at times, she should avoid an upset in this matchup and safely reach the second round.
Prediction: Lamens in 2
Ilemona:
Suzan Lamens has plenty of Tour-level experience but hasn’t made much of an impact on hard courts this season. Glozman, still early in her career, has been building confidence with solid results in lower-tier events. It’s a first-time meeting that feels like a test of whether proven experience or youthful energy holds up better in the spotlight.
Prediction: Lamens in 3
Donna Vekic vs Jessica Bouzas Maneiro
Tope:
Months ago, Donna Vekic would have been a huge favorite entering this match, but the trajectory of their performances sees her enter this encounter as the underdog. The Spaniard looks more solid now.
Prediction: Bouzas Maneiro in 3
Jordan:
This was among the most challenging opening rounds the struggling Vekic could have received. The improving Bouzas Maneiro can expose the Croatian’s weak movement. That means Vekic must find her range from the baseline. Right now, I do not trust her enough to do that.
Prediction: Bouzas Maneiro in 3
Ilemona:
Vekic’s powerful baseline game is well suited to the fast US Open courts, and she’s looked sharp in the lead-up to the Open. Bouzas Maneiro has enjoyed progress this season, but most of her best wins have come outside the hard-court swing. With no prior meetings to go on, this one may depend on how well the Spaniard absorbs Vekic’s pace.
Prediction: Vekic in 2
Iga Swiatek vs Emiliana Arango
Tope:
Ranked outside the Top 200 less than a year ago, Arango has exploded into the Top 100 with a second-round finish at Roland Garros. It will be the shock of the competition if she pulls it off here.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Jordan:
Arango has no weapons in her game. Swiatek is the best WTA player when she has time on her shots. This will not be close.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Ilemona:
Swiatek comes into New York with her usual hard-court consistency, having racked up strong results throughout the summer. Arango is still adjusting to this level, and her best tennis so far has come on slower surfaces. If Swiatek finds her rhythm early, her edge in pace and experience should tell.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
