The US Open kicks off with Day 1 on Monday. 64 women compete on opening day, which means we have 32 matches. As always, we at LWOT are here to share our thoughts on the matches. In addition to this article, we split the other matches between seven other articles. Those articles feature Naomi Osaka vs Marie Bouzkova, Elena Rybakina vs Aliaksandra Sasnovich, Angelique Kerber vs Dayana Yastremska, Victoria Azarenka vs Tereza Martincova, Simona Halep vs Camila Giorgi, Donna Vekic vs Garbine Muguruza, and Madison Keys vs Sloane Stephens. Predicting this set of matches are Tracey Essex, Jakub Bobro, and Damian Kust.
US Open Day 1 Women’s Predictions
Leylah Fernandez vs Ana Konjuh
Tracey:
After being sidelined with injuries, Konjuh has returned with full force. The Croat has rocketed up the rankings, starting the year at #465, and now at World #88. Reaching the semifinals in San Jose clearly demonstrates how capable Konjuh is. Fernandez has struggled mightily. The inconsistency and overhit balls belies how talented the Canadian teen truly is. It’s probably not going to turn around in New York, but you can expect big things from Fernandez as her experience grows.
Prediction: Konjuh in 2
Jakub:
The 18-year-old Leylah Fernandez has had an odd year, winning her first WTA title in Monterrey but not achieving much else outside of that. The Canadian has gone 3-3 in her hard court lead-up, her best win being over Yastremska. Her opponent will be qualifier Ana Konjuh, who defeated Irina Fetecau, Julia Grabher, Stefanie Voegele. Konjuh had a very good run in San Jose, where she reached the semifinals as a qualifier.
Prediction: Konjuh in 2
Damian:
Konjuh clearly shouldn’t be playing Grand Slam qualifying at this point. But as it is, she should have a lot of momentum for this first round here and has the power to dominate a rather lightweight opponent like Fernandez.
Prediction: Konjuh in 3
Danielle Collins vs Carla Suarez Navarro
Tracey:
America’s aggressive Danielle Collins should prove to be a threat at the US Open. While New York hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for the World #29, I expect a different result this year. Following her surgery for endometriosis, Collins has emerged as a solid threat. This isn’t the easiest start for the American. Carla Suarez Navarro is an experienced and talented player. The Spaniard will grab a set, but in the end, Collins comes through.
Prediction: Collins in 3
Jakub:
Collins won two titles in a row on different surfaces in Palermo and San Jose and then beat Simona Halep in Montreal, having a quite stellar summer for herself. Carla Suarez Navarro is continuing her retirement tour in New York. She’s put together strong showings in all of her tournaments this year, though Collins should be beyond her powers.
Prediction: Collins in 3
Damian:
Collins has been fantastic in 2021, but there’s an injury concern after retiring at Cincinnati. If she can recover, she should be able to take out the veteran fairly comfortably.
Prediction: Collins in 2
Marketa Vondrousova vs Elena-Gabriela Ruse
Tracey:
Coming off a quarterfinal run in Chicago, Vondrousova should be feeling somewhat inspired. While Ruse isn’t circling the same orbit as the World #40, she can make things a bit difficult. In qualifying round, Ruse served at 70%, and won 65% behind her first delivery. Vondrousova certainly has enough to win this one, it may not be as straightforward as she’d like.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 2
Jakub:
Marketa Vondrousova became a bit of a villain before the Tokyo Olympics, using her protected ranking to enter the tournament ahead of her compatriot Karolina Muchova. The 22-year-old then stunned the tennis world as she went all the way to the final and walked away from Tokyo a silver medalist. Her form since has been middling, though. Elena Gabriela Ruse qualified for her first US Open main draw with wins over Victoria Cepede Royg, Kurumi Nara, and Federica Di Sarra.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 2
Damian:
Ruse is among the most dangerous of the qualifiers, just because on a given day she can be a threat to anyone. Vondrousova excelled in Tokyo and the conditions should be fairly similar here, so her consistency probably prevails.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 2
Marie Bouzkova vs Naomi Osaka
Tracey:
Osaka hasn’t had an easy go of late. Struggling with mental health and pressure to perform placed on the World #3 has taken its toll. Yet the Japanese superstar has proved time and again that she can get tough and turn things around. This will be a test of her fortitude. Bouzkova will force her to play a lot of balls, but Osaka’s power should move her past the Czech threat.
Prediction: Osaka in 2
Jakub:
Marie Bouzkova is still looking for her first main draw win at the US Open and with the draw and her current form, it seems unlikely for her to get it now. The Czech went 1-4 in her US Open lead-up and despite a strong showing in Australia, the 23-year-old has only won back-to-back matches once since March. Naomi Osaka’s year has been quite tumultuous, especially off the court. The defending US Open champion took a hiatus after the events of the French Open and though she lost quite early in both of her tournaments since, it was to the eventual finalist both times (Vondrousova in Tokyo, Teichmann in Cincinnati). Osaka may not be coming into the US Open in the best form, but a first-round exit is very unlikely.
Prediction: Osaka in 2
Damian:
Whether Osaka is in the right mindset to win this event we’re yet to find out, but what cannot be disregarded is that she’s dominated hard court slams in the past few years. Even her B game should get her this win.
Prediction: Osaka in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
