Friday at the US Open means that the third round is beginning. We’re here to predict every Day 5 match. Who will win? Sharing their thoughts today are myself (Yesh Ginsburg), Jim Smith, and Tracey Essex. We also have predictions for the four other Day 5 matches.
US Open Day 5 Women’s Predictions
Sofia Kenin vs Madison Keys
Tracey:
Grab the popcorn and sit back for this enticing All-American match between Sofia Kenin and Madison Keys. It’s perhaps the most intriguing match on the schedule. On one side, Keys has been player with laser focus and precision, waiting for the right ball to rifle off a winner. On the other side, you have the feisty Kenin who can scrap through the toughest opponents, finding a way to win. There’ll be no shortage of power hitting on this court when these two clash. But, I think Keys comes through if she continues to wait for the right ball before blasting away.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Jim:
This match has all the makings of a thriller. Both women arrived at the US Open in excellent form and have continued that through their first two matches, with neither dropping a set. Keys does have more big match experience, but Kenin has shown herself to be more than at home on the big stage throughout her fledgling career. And in the slower conditions in New York, she might just be able to avenge the defeat she suffered at Keys’ hands in Cincinnati two weeks ago.
Prediction: Kenin in 3
Yesh:
This could be an incredible match, but Kenin has not quite been at her peak self this tournament. She struggled in her second-round match in a way that will get her blasted by Keys. She’s definitely capable of turning things around on a dime, but it’s hard to count on it.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Karolina Pliskova vs Ons Jabeur
Tracey:
Karolina Pliskova is winning 90% of first serves in play. If that stat continues, it will be very difficult for Ons Jabeur to find a way into the Czech’s game. But it’s been done. Tereza Martincova broke the Czech’s serve six times in the opening round; and, Georgian qualifier Mariam Bolkvadze claimed one service break. It’s the serve which is Pliskova’s biggest weapon. I think Jabeur won’t find it quite as easy to challenge the big serve of Pliskova and that should give Pliskova a straight sets win.
Prediction: Pliskova in 2
Jim:
After a slow start to her US Open campaign, Pliskova looked back to something approaching her best in her second-round win over Mariam Bolkvadze. Jabeur, meanwhile, has impressed so far in New York. But her defensive skills are not amongst the best in the game and that could see her struggle against the power and precision of Pliskova.
Prediction: Pliskova in 2
Yesh:
Jabeur is playing the best tennis of her life right now. She’s solid and frustrating opponents. That won’t be enough to come close to Karolina Pliskova, but don’t be surprised if she manages to steal a set.
Prediction: Pliskova in 2
Johanna Konta vs Shuai Zhang
Tracey:
The 2018 China Open doubles team will now find themselves on opposite sides of the net. To say they know each other’s game is probably an understatement. Both Johanna Konta’s and Zhang Shuai’s weaknesses are exposed to the other, and it will be a game of capitalizing on those knowns rather than working through unknowns. Konta moved through the second round, dropping just a single game. Zhang was put to the test against Ekaterina Alexandrova. If Zhang hopes to win her third round bout, she’ll certainly need to clean up her service. While the Chinese woman had six aces, they were offset by eight double faults. Konta is playing a much cleaner game with incredible defense behind her second serve.
Prediction: Konta in 3
Jim:
Jim: Konta scored a statement win over Margarita Gasparyan in the second round, losing just one game to the Russian and will surely be full of confidence as a result. Zhang, meanwhile, put in a determined display to get the better of Ekaterina Alexandrova. But with Konta in this kind of form, it is hard to see what Zhang will be able to do to stop the Briton.
Prediction: Konta in 2
Yesh:
Konta is in absolutely blistering form right now. Zhang is a good player, and has looked solid here, but this won’t be a match. It will be a beatdown.
Prediction: Konta in 2
Ashleigh Barty vs Maria Sakkari
Tracey:
Ashleigh Barty had to problem-solve in her last two matches. But, the second seed figured out how to win in each of her previous matches. Maria Sakkari definitely won’t give Barty the luxury of time to work through the kinks. Since they’ve played each other three times, perhaps Barty already has her success strategy mapped out. The fight Sakkari brings to each match is remarkable. And, we’ve seen the Grecian snatch a match when her opponent had it squarely under wraps. It’s going to be quite a skirmish but one which Barty should survive.
Prediction: Barty in 2
Jim:
This should be another tough test for Barty. Sakkari has proven herself one of the most consistently dangerous hard-courters on the WTA tour in recent years thanks to her impressive athleticism and powerful hitting from the back of the court and she beat Barty in not entirely dissimilar conditions in Indian Wells last season. This one might just be big shock of the third round.
Prediction: Sakkari in 3
Yesh:
Barty has looked a bit vulnerable recently, and so far in this tournament. Vulnerability is not something you want when facing Maria Sakkari. Sakkari is powerful and looks good here. Barty definitely can put this away if she turns things around, but I smell a potential upset.
Prediction: Sakkari in 3
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
