The US Open starts on Monday. Our panelists here at Last Word On Tennis are ready to predict matches for you. In this strangest of Grand Slam tournaments due to COVID-19, anything can happen. Each set of predictions looks at four matches. In addition to this set, we have five others for you to look at. One features Karolina Pliskova vs Anhelina Kalinina, another looks at Danielle Collins vs Anett Kontaveit, the next headlines Naomi Osaka vs Misaki Doi, another headlines Petra Kvitova vs Irina Camelia-Begu, and the last features Coco Gauff vs Anastasija Sevastova. Predicting this set of matches are Tracey Essex, Ewan West, and Jim Smith.
US Open Women’s Day 1 Predictions
Jasmine Paolini vs Caroline Garcia
Tracey:
When Caroline Garcia is playing with confidence, she can blast winners down the line. But, when Garcia isn’t feeling it, the unforced error count will build. This is a great opener for the Frenchwoman, and one which can serve as the catalyst for a deep run.
Prediction: Garcia in 2
Ewan:
Garcia has won 13 of her last 16 Grand Slam opening round contests. She had an impressive win against Sloane Stephens in Cincinnati and should see off the Italian, who is yet to win a Grand Slam match.
Prediction: Garcia in 2
Jim:
Paolini looks to have a bright future and has played some good tennis this year, particularly on the clay. But she has not looked quite so assured on the asphalt and faces a tough first-round test in New York in the shape of Garcia, who remains a force to be reckoned with even if she has not achieved as much as many hoped. Garcia should be the woman to advance.
Prediction: Garcia in 3
Kateryna Bondarenko vs Allie Kiick
Tracey:
Playing her first tournament since February doesn’t bode well for Kiick. However, Bonderenko’s exit in qualifiers at the Cincinnati Open wasn’t the run the Ukrainian had hoped for. It’s a great opportunity for a confidence building tournament start. I expect Bondarenko to see the second round.
Prediction: Bonderenko in 2
Ewan:
Former WTA #29 Bondarenko (current #349) made the US Open quarterfinals in 2009, and is playing with a protected ranking. American wild card Kiick, who has overcome a number of injuries, and cancer, has not won a WTA match since last year. This one is tough to call, but Bondarenko has played and won considerably more tour matches in 2020 – and has much more experience at this level.
Prediction: Bondarenko in 3
Jim:
This could be one of the closer matches on day one. Bondarenko arrives at the US Open in indifferent form having lost in the first round of qualifying at the Western and Southern Open, whilst Kiick has not played competitively since the Mexican Open. Could match sharpness prove the difference? It wouldn’t be a surprise.
Prediction: Bondarenko in 3
Madison Brengle vs Lesia Tsurenko
Tracey:
While Brengle leads the head-to-head 2-0, I see Tsurenko pulling this out in a tight, three-setter. The American couldn’t put the pieces together at the Western & Southern, falling to compatriot CiCi Bellis. And, I don’t think there’s enough belief to bound Tsurenko.
Prediction: Tusrenko in 3
Ewan:
Former WTA #23 and US Open quarterfinalist Tsurenko won four matches across qualifying and the main draw in Palermo this month. Brengle has been as high as #35 and made the US Open third round in 2015. Another close call, but the Ukrainian’s greater form and slightly higher ceiling should see her through.
Prediction: Tsurenko in 3
Jim:
The experienced Tsurenko had been struggling of late. But she played well in Prague, reaching the second round as a qualifier, although she did withdraw ahead of her match against Ana Bogdan. But if she is fit, she will surely be the favourite against Brengle, who lost in the first round of qualifying at the Western and Southern Open to CiCi Bellis.
Prediction: Tsurenko in 3
Angelique Kerber vs Ajla Tomljanovic
Tracey:
Tomljanovic is such a competitive, never-say-die player that she presents a challenge for any opponent. But, can the Aussie capitalize on Kerber’s inconsistent play? When Kerber is at her best, she’s proved to be an undeniable victor. But which version of the German will show up in New York? I see an excellent upset opportunity for Tomljanovic.
Prediction: Tomljanovic in 3
Ewan:
Kerber, a 2016 US Open champion, has not played since the Australian Open fourth round. Tomljanovic last won on tour in February. The German rejoined forces with coach Torben Beltz–with whom she won her first two Grand Slam titles–during the break. She should make it through this tricky opening round test.
Prediction: Kerber in 2
Jim:
It’s hard to know what to expect from Kerber at this year’s US Open. The German hasn’t played competitively since the Australian Open and had been struggling for form, but she has won the title in New York. Tomljanovic, meanwhile, has been playing, but is without a win since the season resumed. If she has not found a way to turn this patch of poor form around, this should be Kerber’s day.
Prediction: Kerber in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
