Day 3 of the US Open will feature 16 women’s matches as we begin the second round. As always, we here at LWOT are offering our thoughts on each match. We split Wednesday’s 16 matches between four articles. In addition to this article, the other three feature Simona Halep vs Kristina Kucova, Barbora Krejcikova vs Christina McHale, and Naomi Osaka vs Olga Danilovic. Who do you think will win. Predicting today’s matches are Fraser Learmonth, Pablo Mosquera, and Jim Smith.
US Open Day 3 Women’s Predictions
Maria Camila Osorio Serrano vs Ons Jabeur
Fraser:
Osorio Serrano’s dream year continues with a second-round birth in the US Open and indeed a Grand Slam for the first time in her career. However, she faces an in form and ominous Jabeur and I don’t think her game is quite ready for such a stern examination just yet. The Tunisian should advance here.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
Pablo:
Two players in very different points of their developmental curve. Osorio Serrano has made some headlines this year but we shouldn’t forget she was still playing $25,000 events in February. The Colombian entered the US Open on a four-match losing streak. Unless she has a terrible day at the office, Jabeur’s power will likely be too much for Osorio Serrano.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
Jim:
Maria Camila Osorio Serrano has flown slightly under the radar this season, but the Colombian is having a very good year and she picked up another memorable win by beating Ivana Jorovic in her opener. But Ons Jabeur has established herself as one of the leading lights in the women’s game and this may well be a challenge too far for Osorio Serrano.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
Marketa Vondrousova vs Daria Kasatkina
Fraser:
Another intriguing match here between two of the better players on the women’s tour in 2021. Vondrousova is fresh of a Silver Prediction: Vondrousova in 3
Pablo:
This is as tricky as it gets. Including juniors, they have split their four meetings. Kasatkina has had the better season, but not a mediocre last three weeks. Vondrousova’s own campaign was being lackluster until she looked like a world beater in her run to a silver medal in Tokyo. Both won their debuts in straights. Tossup match that could be decided by minimal details.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 3
Jim:
This is one of several matches that don’t quite seem to belong in the second round. There doesn’t appear to be much between the pair and both made assured starts to their US Open campaign with straight-sets wins. Daria Kasatkina is perhaps the better suited to these conditions though and that should be enough to give her the edge.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 3
Aryna Sabalenka vs Tamara Zidansek
Fraser:
Sabalenka struggled a bit in her first match at this year’s US Open. However, the Belarusian has been the second-best player on the WTA tour this year behind Ashleigh Barty. Once she is on a roll she is very difficult to stop and this is a very winnable match for her. Expect her to breeze through this and be a feature late in the tournament as well.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Pablo:
On paper, it’s a trap match for Sabalenka. The No. 2 seed dropped a set against No. 93 Nina Stojanovic so naturally everyone is writing her off. For that reason, as well as the apparent court quickness, I’m expecting a relatively easy, bounce-back victory against Roland Garros semifinalist Zidansek, who has yet to prove she is elite away from clay.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Jim:
Aryna Sabalenka’s US Open got off to a shaky start, but the Belarusian was able to find her best tennis when it mattered most to beat Nina Stojanovic. She did at least finish that match strongly, winning the decider without losing a game. Tamara Zidansek may well also extend her to three sets, but expect the Belarusian’s power to see her safely through once again.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Coco Gauff vs Sloane Stephens
Fraser:
This could be an absolute blockbuster of a match. Stephens was once the next big thing to come out of America as far as women’s tennis was concerned. She failed to kick on in the way many expected and now Coco Gauff is their new hope for someone to fill the massive hole soon to be left by Serena Williams. She isn’t there yet, but she has shown enough so far to make me thing she can best Stephens here.
Prediction: Gauff in 3
Pablo:
If the World Cup typically has a group of death, then this section of the draw is the section of death. 2017 champion Stephens barely edged 2017 runner up Madison Keys 6-3 1-6 7-6. Meanwhile, Gauff also needed a third set against the ever dangerous Magda Linette, who beat none other than Ashleigh Barty and Elina Svitolina at Roland Garros and Wimbledon respectively. I expect a close match but would favor Gauff to come through.
Prediction: Gauff in 3
Jim:
This is some second round match. Both Cori Gauff and Sloane Stephens were made to work very hard in their openers and this looks like it could be another long battle. Stephens probably still has the more well-rounded game, but Gauff has been playing with such confidence and determination this season that it is hard not to back the teenager.
Prediction: Gauff in 3
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