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, Coco Gauff vs Sloane Stephens, and Barbora Krejcikova vs Christina McHale. 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
Angelique Kerber vs Anhelina Kalinina
Fraser:
Kerber did well to come through a tough first test against Yastremska in round one. The German is a former champion here and has played good tennis so far this year. She may not be considered a contender, but she has a relatively kind draw and could surprise a few people in New York. Kalinina is a decent opponent but can’t keep up with Kerber when she is in this kind of form.
Prediction: Kerber in 2
Pablo:
For the first time ever, Kerber came back from a set down in the first round of a Major against Dayana Yastremska. By doing so, she kept a good streak alive: she’s reached at least the semifinals in her last three tournaments (Bad Homburg title, Wimbledon semis and Cincinnati semis). Kalinina also made waves post Wimbledon, with two big ITF titles and the WTA Budapest final. However, the transition to hard wasn’t smooth, with a pair of first round defeats in Chicago before beating Mayar Sherif in New York. Expect the 2016 champion to advance.
Prediction: Kerber in 2
Jim:
It has been an encouraging spell for Angelique Kerber, one she will no doubt be eager to keep going here. After coming through a very tough opening test against Dayana Yastremska, she looks in good position to do just that up against another Ukrainian in Anhelina Kalinina.
Prediction: Kerber in 3
Elena Rybakina vs Caroline Garcia
Fraser:
Rybakina has found her best tennis after a slow start to the year. By contrast, Garcia continues to be plagued by inconsistency and a lack of confidence in her game. If the Garcia of old turns up then this could be a brilliant match to watch. If she doesn’t, Rybakina walks it without too much fuss. I think she takes it anyway but hopefully we get some good tennis along the way.
Prediction: Rybakina in 3
Pablo:
She’s still losing some questionable matches here and there, but Rybakina’s average level in the past two months is similar to the one she displayed pre-COVID hiatus. That should be too good for the current version of Garcia, far removed from her 2018 highs when she reached the No. 4 spot in the rankings.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Jim:
This could be a big tournament for Elena Rybakina. She has not quite managed to put together a name-making run yet, but she has the talent to do so. Caroline Garcia is also blessed with plenty of talent, but she seems short of either the necessary confidence or application. Rybakina should be able to hit through the Frenchwoman and secure her spot in the third round.
Prediction: Rybakina in 3
Danielle Collins vs Kaja Juvan
Fraser:
This is a real opportunity for Juvan to finally make some headway on the women’s tour. The Slovenian has been a promising young talent for some time now but is yet to take the next step. Collins is a tough opponent, particularly on fast hard courts such as those in New York, but Juvan will be buoyed by her play so far and that confidence should carry her game to the level she is capable of playing at which is enough for the win here.
Prediction: Juvan in 3
Pablo:
With two tour-level titles since Wimbledon, Collins is one of the dark horses to go deep at Flushing Meadows. On Monday, she gave no chance to Carla Suarez Navarro, effectively ending the Spaniard’s singles career. It feels like Juvan has had a better season than what her 15-14 record indicates. The Slovenian won’t cave without putting up a fight, but Collins is the clear favorite in my book.
Prediction: Collins in 2
Jim:
Danielle Collins’ excellent run earlier in the summer was brought to an end by injury in Cincinnati, but the American looked back to her best in beating Carla Suarez Navarro 6-2 6-4 in the first round in New York. If she can find that level of tennis again expect her to get past Kaja Juvan without encountering too many problems.
Prediction: Collins in 2
Naomi Osaka vs Olga Danilovic
Fraser:
The tennis world wasn’t quite sure what they would get from Osaka heading into New York. The former World #1 has played very little tennis this year and was poor in Tokyo. However, she quickly let us know she means business with a dominant display in her first match of the tournament. At her best there is no one better on hard courts in the women’s game and she was at that level on Monday. If she is anywhere near it again on Wednesday, she will simply have too much for Danilovic.
Prediction: Osaka in 2
Pablo:
Danilovic has four wins under her belt this week in New York, so is unlikely to get intimidated by a big crowd…but that’s it. The Serbian should pose no threat to Osaka. The defending champion is not in unplayable mode at the moment, but her B-game should suffice to defeat Danilovic.
Prediction: Osaka in 2
Jim:
Naomi Osaka faced brief resistance from Marie Bouzkova, but in truth there was little doubt as to which way the match would end up going. It is hard to see Olga Danilovic offering much more of a challenge. The Serbian has had a good week in New York, but she is outgunned here and badly.
Prediction: Osaka in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
