Day 5 US Open action in New York features Iga Swiatek looking to keep up her winning streak, while the upset minded Renata Zarazua looks for a third round berth. Our panelists offer their predictions for every day 5 match.
Iga Swiatek vs Suzan Lamens
Ilemona: Swiatek had a sharp start to her campaign and carried over the authority she’s shown all season on hard courts. Lamens got through a tight opener, but she hasn’t had much success at this level on the surface. It’s a tall task, though stranger things have happened in New York.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Jordan: Lamens usually does a good job of playing without fear against much higher-ranked opponents. That gives her a chance of being somewhat competitive against Swiatek, but she has no realistic chance of winning. The Pole’s level since Wimbledon has been the best in women’s tennis.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Tope: World No. #1 Iga Swiatek continues her quest for a second US Open title against Dutch qualifier Suzan Lamens in what looks like a straightforward matchup on paper. Swiatek’s power, precision, and relentless baseline game should give her complete control.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Jaqueline Cristian vs Ashlyn Krueger
Ilemona: Jaqueline Cristian caused one of the biggest upsets in the first round when she won against Danielle Collins, dropping just two games. Krueger, meanwhile, needed to work harder in her opener, but her big game can be dangerous when it clicks. This one could come down to who handles the big points better.
Prediction: Krueger in 3
Jordan: Although Danielle Collins struggled badly, Cristian still deserves considerable credit for how she played in the previous round. Krueger will try to hit the Romanian off the court with her powerful game. It could go either way, but I narrowly favor Cristian because of her ability to get Krueger moving by using her heavy topspin forehand.
Prediction: Cristian in 3
Tope: Ashlyn Krueger thrives on hard courts, and home support is another advantage against Cristian’s counterpunching ability to disrupt rhythm. Expect a tight battle in their first meeting, with Cristian’s firepower and grit taking out another American.
Prediction: Cristian in 2
Linda Noskova vs Eva Lys
Ilemona: Noskova impressed with her aggressive play in round one and has shown steady growth on hard courts. Lys has fewer results to lean on at this level, but she did well to battle through her opener. Momentum and confidence may tilt things one way here.
Prediction: Noskova in 2
Jordan: This promises to be a challenging match for Noskova against the quickly improving Lys. However, the German’s game often gets overwhelmed against big-hitting opponents. Despite her development in the last 12 months, I doubt Lys is ready to win this match.
Prediction: Noskova in 2
Tope: Linda Noskova enters the US Open clash against Eva Lys as the more established name. Still, she has to contend with the German’s fluidity and movement, as she showed in the bagel of Francesca Jones in the previous round. The Czech star is beginning to show some growing confidence on hard courts, and she should edge this contest, even though she will need to stay sharp.
Prediction: Noskova in 3
Renata Zarazua vs Diane Parry
Ilemona: Zarazua pulled off a gritty win in the first round, showcasing her variety, while Parry looked steady and disciplined in her own match. Both players don’t have deep hard-court pedigrees, but each has enough to make this a close affair. Expect plenty of long rallies before it’s decided.
Prediction: Parry in 2
Jordan: Zarazua’s win against Madison Keys was stunning, but she must navigate an entirely different challenge here. Parry’s heavy topspin forehand and backhand slice contrast sharply with Keys’s flat strikes. I feel the Frenchwoman can catch Zarazua cold with her variety.
Prediction: Parry in 2
Tope: Both players arrive with momentum. Mexican, Zarazua, unlocked Maddison Keys in the opener and Parry’s bageled Petra Kvitova in her final professional match. Diane Parry appears to be the more polished player, but Zarazua’s never-say-die spirit could see her edge this. Besides, she’s not lost to the French woman in their two previous meetings.
Prediction: Zarazua in 3
Main Photo Credit: Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK
