We’re up to Day 5 of the US Open, which means the start of the third round. Day 5 matches include respected veterans, top players in the world, and impressive newcomers. It even has a young American trying to inspire a new generation of fans. As always, though, we’re here to predict five of the biggest matches of the day. Predicting today are myself (Yesh Ginsburg), editor Sam Barker, and contributor Niall Murray.
Our Panelists Predictions US Open Women’s Day 5 Matches
Johanna Konta vs. Belinda Bencic
Yesh:
Konta is more consistent player in recent months, but she’ll be tired after her last match and Bencic is more than talented enough to take advantage.
Prediction: Bencic in 2
Niall:
After the health problems she experienced in her last match it’s a miracle that Jo Konta is even in the third round. The British #1 is one of the fittest women on the WTA Tour and she’ll have to be at her best to defeat a resurgent Belinda Bencic. The Swiss breezed through a potentially tricky second round match against Andrea Petkovic, and looked like she was returning to something near her best. I reckon this will be a close one, but Konta will just have too much for Bencic in the end.
Prediction: Konta in 3
Sam:
This could be an encounter of the highest quality between two of the tour’s most impressive baseliners. Konta showed all the grit that has seen her rise to the brink of the top ten in the last round whilst Bencic also showed clear progression from her first round match. Ultimately though the Brit has the matchplay this year and that should see her over the line.
Prediction: Konta in 3
Petra Kvitova vs. Elina Svitolina
Yesh:
Kvitova won this match easily less than a month ago. Svitolina hasn’t played her best since upsetting Serena Williams in Rio.
Prediction: Kvitova in 2
Niall:
I thought Svitolina would have cruised past Lauren Davis in the last round, but that wasn’t the case. She had to show her fighting spirit and come from a break down in the third to make it through. Kvitova on the other hand looked dominant. These two met in the Olympics last month, in what was an extremely one-sided match that Kvitova won 6-2, 6-0. The courts in New York are significantly quicker than those in Rio, which I feel plays into the hands of the Czech.
Prediction: Kvitova in 2
Sam:
These two met recently in the Rio Olympics where Kvitova battered Svitolina for the loss of just two games. It will probably be closer this time around but It would be surprising if it wasn’t the same end result given Kvitova’s authoritative style of play.
Prediction: Kvitova in 2
Madison Keys vs. Naomi Osaka
Yesh:
Keys was absolutely dominant against Kayla Day. She was untouchable. Osaka has potential and may be a star someday, but that day is not quite yet. And certainly not against Keys here.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Niall:
Keys looked in commanding form during her second round match, taking just 48 minutes to defeat Kayla Day. There’s no doubt she has the weapons to make it deep into the second week at Flushing Meadows. The American also hasn’t lost in the third round of a Grand Slam since the 2014 US Open. She’s significantly more experienced than her 18-year-old Japanese opponent, and I see her progressing to the fourth round with ease.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Sam:
If you look up power play in the dictionary there will probably just be a reference to this match. Two of the WTA Tour’s most powerful players will come to blows in what will inevitably be an almighty tussle. In recent months Keys has begun to demonstrate a real consistency that should see her emerge victorious.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Lesia Tsurenko vs. Dominika Cibulkova
Yesh:
Cibulkova looks less than fully healthy, but she has won big matches in the past while not at 100%. If she was facing someone I had more confidence in than Tsurenko I might pick against her, but I think she wins this match.
Prediction: Cibulkova in 3
Niall:
On paper I would say Cibulkova would win this, but I have my doubts given her condition. She scraped through in the last round and had what can only be described as a mummified left thigh. If her movement doesn’t improve I think she’ll struggle against Tsurenko. The Ukrainian has not dropped a set yet and knocked out 21st seed Irina-Camelia Begu in the first round.
Prediction: Tsurekno in 3
Sam:
Neither player has had a particularly testing time en route to the third round in Flushing Meadows. On top of that, neither came to New York in eye-catching form so this could be a scrappy match. Cibulkova leads the head to head but they have not played since 2013. Flip a coin on this one because it’s very 50/50.
Prediction: Tsurenko in 3
CiCi Bellis vs. Angelique Kerber
Yesh:
It would be so much fun to pick Bellis here, and it’s not completely crazy, but I just can’t see it. Kerber is too good and is completely motivated to get the #1 ranking. Bellis won’t make it easy.
Prediction: Kerber in 2
Niall:
It would be at my own peril to completely write off CiCi Bellis, but I do think her US Open journey ends here. She’s played some great stuff and shown that she can perform on the biggest stage. That said she’s never experienced anything like a match on a show court against the world #2. Kerber might have struggled to close out the second set of her last match, but I’d be very surprised if this was anything but a routine win for the German.
Prediction: Kerber in 2
Sam:
Teenage superstar Cici Bellis must be licking her lips at the opportunity to take on the World #2. It would be a mammoth story were she to upset the German but the reality is that Kerber is in breathtaking form at the moment. Experience will be a key factor in helping Kerber cruise to the win.
Prediction: Kerber in 2
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