There should be plenty of exciting tennis on day four at the US Open as the second round gets underway. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match, Jessica Pegula vs Anna Blinkova, Mirra Andreeva vs Anastasia Potapova, and Jasmine Paolini vs Iva Jovic. But who will secure their spot in the round of 32 in New York?
US Open Day 4 Predictions
Aryna Sabalenka vs Polina Kudermetova
Jordan: Aryna Sabalenka won her opening match in straight sets without playing overly well. I expect the world #1 to improve against Polina Kudermetova and progress even more comfortably without facing any pressure.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Ilemona: Sabalenka came through her opener with the kind of clean hitting that’s made her a fixture in the latter stages of Slams, while Kudermetova has been battling for rhythm after a rocky stretch. Their past meetings have usually tilted one way, but if the Russian can settle into her baseline patterns, it could be closer than the form guide suggests.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Yesh: Aryna Sabalenka looks to be in good form, but this is actually a tough matchup for her. Polina Kudermetova has a ton of potential, but she hasn’t put it together yet. I would expect her to make one set interesting, but not much more than that.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
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Elise Mertens vs Lulu Sun
Jordan: Elise Mertens’ backhand might be decisive in this match. Lulu Sun’s cross-court forehand is her biggest weapon, but the Belgian’s backhand can defuse that play. Mertens is backed to win in straight sets.
Prediction: Mertens in 2
Ilemona: Mertens has been steady on hard courts for years, and she handled her first-round test with composure. Sun is still new to this stage, but her aggressive instincts can trouble opponents when she’s striking freely. Experience against this type of challenge might end up making the difference.
Prediction: Mertens in 3
Yesh: Lulu Sun has shown flashes of brilliance over the last few years, but she doesn’t have enough consistency to match Elise Mertens’ solid and consistent game. I expect Mertens to keep her record in early Slam rounds strong.
Prediction: Mertens in 2
Ann Li vs Belinda Bencic
Jordan: Ann Li’s recovery from losing the opening set against Rebecca Sramkova, just two days after losing the final in Cleveland, was highly impressive. But I think her run in New York will be ended by Belinda Bencic. The Olympic Gold Medallist’s ability to target Li’s weaker backhand makes her the favorite.
Prediction: Bencic in 2
Ilemona: Li’s return game clicked in her opening match, and she’s looked confident across the North American swing. Bencic brings the heavier résumé, especially on hard courts, and has the variety to unsettle her. A lot may depend on whether Li can sustain her tempo against that kind of tactical range.
Prediction: Bencic in 2
Yesh: Belinda Bencic has been playing well since she came back from maternity leave. She has a deep run in her here, and I don’t expect this match to be too much trouble.
Prediction: Bencic in 2
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Taylor Townsend vs Jelena Ostapenko
Jordan: This is a fascinating matchup. Taylor Townsend’s playing style, which contains much variety, poses a challenge to Jelena Ostapenko’s all-out aggression. I think an upset could be on the cards here.
Prediction: Townsend in 3
Ilemona: Taylor Townsend’s net-rushing flair drew plenty of applause in round one, but Ostapenko’s power game has also translated well this summer. Their styles couldn’t be more different, which sets up a fascinating clash of contrasts. Whoever manages to impose their rhythm first is likely to dictate the outcome.
Prediction: Ostapenko in 3
Yesh: Jelena Ostapenko won a French Open because she has one of the best power games in women’s tennis. She hasn’t won a big tournament since then (over eight years ago) because she gets frustrated and can’t keep her consistent aggression in the court. Townsend is the exact player to take full advantage of that.
Prediction: Townsend in 3
Main photo credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
