The US Open kicks off Monday August 31st and the first round of the women’s draw offers some big, intriguing, and interesting matches. Let’s take a look at them.
US Open Women’s First Round Intriguing Matches
Angelique Kerber vs Ajla Tomljanović
These two will meet five years after Kerber took their only encounter in a commanding fashion 6-3 6-2 at the 2015 French Open. Although, Kerber has not played any tournament this year except for the Australian Open. On the other hand, Tomljanović has played eight events this year and is in rhythm. Nevertheless, you cannot count out the 2016 US. Open champion to come back strong.
Irina-Camelia Begu vs Petra Kvitová
They have played four times, two on clay, one each on indoor and outdoor hard courts, and all were wins by Kvitová. Kvitova looks like a clear favorite but Begu can stun the Czech with her unique style of play. Kvitova lost in the second round of the Western & Southern Open to her compatriot Marie Bouzková. Begu comes from reaching the semi finals in Prague where she lost to her fellow compatriot and eventual champion Simona Halep. The Czech will look to keep her winning ways against the Romanian and be one of the favorites to win the tournament.
Cori Gauff vs Anastasija Sevastova
The 16-year-old American is in hot form and she’s attracting all the attention every time she plays. She will have a tough task as Sevastova had an amazing run two years ago making it all the way to the semis finals. It will be an interesting match as Gauff has a strong playing style while Sevastova uses more slices and drop shots to annoy her opponents into weird positions. It will be a great entertaining match and one filled with great points.
Karolína Muchová vs Venus Williams
Muchová is the World No.26 and she is looking in great form. Her game has improved in the last year and is looking for an upset. This will be the first meeting between the two. Venus comes with a new serve motion that she showed against Azarenka in Kentucky. Although, she’s been inconsistent, but looks to change that. A great match between these two looks likely in the first round.
Elise Mertens vs Laura Siegemund
This will be the second encounter between the two. Last time they met, the Belgian got the better of the German after Siegemund retired in the third set in Rabat. Mertens comes in a hot form after reaching the final in Prague and reaching the semis in the Western & Southern Open. Siegemund will look for revenge and comes reaching the second round of the Western & Southern Open.
Kim Clijsters vs Ekaterina Alexandrova
Clijsters is coming out of retirement earlier this year and is set to bring back her winning form. She started off with some tough first draws like in Dubai she faced Garbiñe Muguruza and put up a fight especially in the second set which went into a tie break. Then in Monterrey she lost to Johanna Konta in straight sets. She withdrew from the Western & Southern Open due to an abdominal injury. On the other hand, the Russian is ranked 21st in the tournament and she’s playing some great tennis. This will be the first time these two will meet and we will see if the Belgian can dictate every point.
Kristie Ahn vs Serena Williams
This will be their first encounter and we will get to see hoe Serena will look after losing to Maria Sakkari in three sets. Ahn hasn’t played very well this year by losing in the first round of the Australian Open , St. Petersburg Open, and Lexington Open. Serena will look to dominate this match while Ahn will look to make a big upset. It will be a good match and we will see if Williams will be on the road for her 24th singles Grand Slam title.
Even though there are some big names that will not be playing in this years US Open, the first round matchups look great. There will definitely be some great matches and some huge shocks coming as the tournament begins to unfold.
Main Photo from Getty.
