Day 4 of the US Open means the second round is finishing. There are 16 matches on Thursday, and we’re here to predict all of them. Who will move on to the third round? In addition to this set of predictions, we also have three more groups. One features Johanna Konta vs Sorana Cirstea, the next headlines Amanda Anisimova vs Katrina Scott, and the final group features Victoria Azarenka vs Aryna Sabalenka. Predicting this set of matches are Tracey Essex, Jim Smith, and myself (Yesh Ginsburg).
US Open Day 4 Predictions
Karolina Muchova vs Anna Kalinskaya
Tracey:
Muchova made history Tuesday, handing Venus Williams her first-ever opening round exit from the US Open. The stoic Czech played with precision and determination, carefully crafting a strategy that would ensure her second round berth. There’s little doubt she’ll quickly dispatch Kalinskaya.
Prediction: Muchova in 2
Yesh:
Muchova has very quietly rose like a rocket since her first tour-level win two years ago. She’s now one of the top players on tour, and shouldn’t have any trouble with Kalinskaya.
Prediction: Muchova in 2
Jim:
This may not be one of the headline clashes of day four at the US Open, but it should be a very watchable match. Muchova excelled in beating the great, but seemingly depleted Venus Williams in straight-sets, whilst Kalinskaya picked up a fine win over Nina Stojanovic. Ultimately, however, expect Muchova’s all-court game to give her a decisive edge.
Prediction: Muchova in 3
Alize Cornet vs Ysaline Bonaventure
Tracey:
Cornet struggled through a three set bout in Auckland to defeat Bonaventure in their sole meeting. That was before the pandemic induced hiatus, and before Cornet put in the hard work to improve her serve. This one should go the distance, but I give the edge to Cornet whose backhand will do the heavy lifting.
Prediction: Cornet in 3
Yesh:
Cornet has been one of the better players around this month. She’s better than Bonaventure, who got here by pulling off an upset.
Prediction: Cornet in 2
Jim:
Cornet has impressed since making her return to action, picking up an excellent victory over Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin en route to the third round at the Western and Southern Open. Bonaventure, meanwhile, claimed one of the better wins of her career by beating 25th seed Zhang Shuai. But with Cornet in such fine form, there can surely only be one winner here.
Prediction: Cornet in 2
Ons Jabeur vs Kaia Kanepi
Tracey:
Jabeur needs to do a bit of clean up going into this round. In her opener against Poland’s Kawa, Jabeur hit 21 unforced errors to only 14 winners. The Tunisian has demonstrated the ability to lift her game, and that’s precisely what she’ll need to do against Kaia Kanepi. The Estonian moved through her first round dropping a mere three games. The #27 seed should be able to end this in straight sets, assuming she can minimize unforced errors.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
Yesh:
I’m a little down on Kanepi and high on Jabeur right now, so maybe I’m not judging this match well. Still, my gut tells me that Jabeur is playing far too well to have any trouble at all with Kanepi.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
Jim:
This should be a very entertaining clash. Both Jabeur and Kanepi are excellent shot makers and neither is likely to die wondering. But as impressive as Kanepi was in her 6-1 6-2 win over the struggling Katerina Siniakova, it’s hard to see her repeating the trick against the Tunisian. Jabeur is having the season of her life and should be able to overpower the experienced Kanepi. But expect her to be made to work hard for her win.
Prediction: Jabeur in 3
Serena Williams vs Margarita Gasparyan
Tracey:
Serving 12 aces and winning 85% behind her big first serve, it appears Serena Williams is digging deep to find the elusive #24. It remains to be seen if this will be the Slam in which she claims it, but this round should get her one step closer.
Prediction: Williams in 2
Yesh:
Serena doesn’t look like her old self yet, but her old self is the most dominant force that women’s tennis has seen. Her current form is vulnerable, but Gasparyan isn’t the player to beat her, or to even come close.
Prediction: Williams in 2
Jim:
Back on the biggest stage, Williams delivered perhaps her most assured performance of the summer to beat Kristie Ahn 7-5 6-3. It may not have been reminiscent of her in her pomp, but it was a very solid win nonetheless. Williams is still probably a longshot to win the title, but she should have more than enough in her locker to account for the elegant but occasionally wayward Gasparyan.
Prediction: Williams in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
