The first round of the US Open wraps up on Tuesday. We at LWOT are here to predict as many of the matches as we can for you. In fact, we’re predicting 28 of the day’s 32 scheduled matches. Each set of predictions looks at four matches. That means that we have six more sets in addition to this one. One features Iga Swiatek vs Veronika Kudermetova, another headlines Johanna Konta vs Heather Watson, the next features Venus Williams vs Karolina Muchova, one looks at Serena Williams vs Kristie Ahn, another headlines Victoria Azarenka vs Barbara Haas, and the last features Kim Clijsters vs Ekaterina Alexandrova. Predicting this set of matches are Tracey Essex, Jim Smith, and myself (Yesh Ginsburg).
US Open Day 2 Women’s Predictions
Vitalia Diatchenko vs Olga Govortsova
Tracey:
Two 30+ year old veterans get a crack at a first round win at the US Open when they will square off in the first round. This is the type of draw you usually see at a WTA International level tournament. Rarely, do players outside the Top 100 open against each other in a Grand Slam. Govorotsova recently reached the second round at the Top Seed Open, pushing Ons Jabeur to a third set. With Diatchenko bowing out of her first round qualifier last week, she needs to find her game fast. Govorotsova will give her little opportunity to shake off the rust and find her best form.
Prediction: Govortsova in 2
Jim:
Diatchenko will surely be disappointed by her efforts at the Western & Southern Open, where she fell in the first round of qualifying. And she faces a player in some form in the shape of Govortsova, who reached the second round in Lexington, taking a set off Ons Jabeur there in a losing effort. Expect the Belorussian to claim her first Grand Slam win since 2016.
Prediction: Govortsova in 3
Yesh:
This match as hard to predict solely due to the inconsistency of the two players. Neither is particularly better than the other, though I do think that Diatchenko has the better upside. I’ll go with her to win–barely.
Prediction: Diatchenko in 3
Aryna Sabalenka vs Oceane Dodin
Tracey:
This should be an interesting match-up between two aggressive baseliners. Both have dangerous forehands but errors can mount in their all-or-nothing style. Sabalenka has the advantage, not just with her skill level and experience, but with her willingness to end points on her terms. The Belarussian will not shy away from the net.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Jim:
Sabalenka is invariably hit or miss, but the Belarusian has been significantly more miss than hit over the past few weeks. But although she has been handed a relatively tough draw, with the in-form Victoria Azarenka looming large, it would certainly be a real surprise if she fell at the first hurdle up against Dodin.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 3
Yesh:
Sabalenka is clearly the more talented overall player, but Dodin has serious potential of her own. She hasn’t lived up to it yet, but Sabalenka also hasn’t looked like herself since the return to tennis. Don’t be shocked by an upset here.
Prediction: Dodin in 3
Jil Teichmann vs Aliona Bolsova
Tracey:
Jil Teichmann has been in good touch since the WTA tour resumed. In Lexington, Teichmann made a run to the finals, where she fell to Jen Brady, 6-3 6-4. At the Western & Southern, the Swiss defeated Bolsova in the first round of qualifying. She followed that up by defeating Shelby Rogers to earn a main draw berth. Teichmann then bounced American Danielle Collins in the first round of the main draw. There’s little doubt that Teichmann is match ready, and should easily move into the second round in Flushing Meadows.
Prediction: Teichmann in 2
Jim:
Teichmann has impressed since the season resumed, reaching the final in Lexington and the third round at the Western and Southern Open as a qualifier. Bolsova does not arrive in New York in such impressive form. Indeed, she has struggled since reaching the fourth round at Roland Garros last season. This should be a relatively comfortable day at the office for Teichmann.
Prediction: Teichmann in 2
Yesh:
Teichmann has looked in great form recently, playing much better than her ranking. Bolsova, meanwhile, is not playing up to hers right now. On a hard court, this should be easy for Teichmann.
Prediction: Teichmann in 2
Amanda Anisimova vs Viktoriya Tomova
Tracey:
I see little to challenge Anisimovahere. Her easy power and quick redirection will prove too much for Tomova.
Prediction: Anisimova in 2
Jim:
Anisimova missed out on the chance to play at the US Open after the untimely death of her father just before the tournament last year. But that will surely leave her all the more determined to make an impact this year. Things did not quite go to plan for her in “Cincinnati,” but she remains an excellent prospect and should be able to negotiate the challenge of Tomova without too many problems.
Prediction: Anisimova in 2
Yesh:
Anisimova has been hit and miss since her major breakthrough early last year. She could be a serious threat at just about any Major if she plays consistently. That’s not happening yet, but facing Tomova should be a good chance to find some form on the Flushing Meadows courts.
Prediction: Anisimova in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
