With several of the world’s best set to take to the court on day four at the US Open, there should be plenty of entertaining action for the fans at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. As ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate, including Naomi Osaka vs Leylah Fernandez. But who will reach the last 16?
US Open Day 4 Predictions
Aryna Sabalenka vs Danielle Collins
Jim: This will be a real test of Aryna Sabalenka’s credentials. The Belarusian was not at her best in the first round, but looked to be on a more even keel in the second, thrashing Tamara Zidansek 6-3 6-1. With Danielle Collins in superb form, this will almost certainly prove less straightforward. But there are very few players who can match Sabalenka blow for blow when she is on song.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 3
Fraser: Collins is in red-hot form and fresh off back to back titles last month. However, even that level can’t match what Sabalenka has produced at times this year. The Belarusian has become arguably the biggest ball striker on the women’s tour and her serve is operating at ridiculous levels at the moment. The fast courts favour her game and you can count on one hand the number of players who can stop her when she’s at her best. Unfortunately Collins isn’t among them.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Jack: This will be a spectacle – which player can crunch the ball the hardest? Sabalenka had a bit of an injury scare in her last match but, given she came through that match, I’ll put that to one side. Though Collins will give Sabalenka a rough time, the Belarusian has arguably been the most consistent player this year. Barring any injuries, Sabalenka should edge out Collins.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 3
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Garbine Muguruza vs Victoria Azarenka
Jim: This is some third-round match. Both have been tested at points so far, although neither has dropped a set. It is Victoria Azarenka who has the better record in New York, however, and by a distance. In what promises to be a very close match, that might just tell decisively in her favour.
Prediction: Azarenka in 3
Fraser: First of all, what a match. Two Grand Slam winners in superb form taking each other on in the third round is an absolute treat. Both strike the ball incredibly well so they’re impossible to separate there. Muguruza is the better server of the two but that isn’t much of an advantage against one of the best returners in women’s tennis history. This should come down to who can hold their level more consistently and that looks to be Muguruza at the moment so I’m giving her the edge. But only just.
Prediction: Muguruza in 3
Jack: Multiple Grand Slam champs Garbine Muguruza and Victoria Azarenka face off in a third-round to savour. I’ve been more impressed with Muguruza’s level in the tournament so far but Azarenka has been the more consistent player this year. I think the conditions will favour the Belarusian ever so slightly.
Prediction: Azarenka in 3
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Kamilla Rakhimova vs Barbora Krejcikova
Jim: Barbora Krejcikova has made swift through progress through the opening two rounds and the Czech should be relatively comfortable here again. It has been an excellent run for the lucky loser Kamila Rakhimova, but Krejcikova is a cut above the opposition she has faced so far at the US Open.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 2
Fraser: Rakhimova had to be the surprise name here. She dismantled fellow Russian Alexandrova in straight sets last round and looks in super touch. I’m actually going to pick her for another upset here. Krejcikova isn’t at her best on hard courts and Rakhimova played well enough last round to think she can catch the Czech off guard here.
Prediction: Rakhimova in 3
Jack: There’s a good case for Krejcikova being wiliest player on tour. She was deadly in her opening two matches – lucky loser Rakhimova has done well to get here but may not have played a player like Krejcikova in her fledgling career.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 2
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Elena Rybakina vs Simona Halep
Jim: Simona Halep does not have a particularly impressive record at the US Open, but, despite arriving at the tournament with few matches under her belt this season, she has looked sharp so far in New York. Elena Rybakina should provide her with a much sterner test. Indeed, the Kazakh is probably the favourite heading into this match. Expect her to justify that tag.
Prediction: Rybakina in 3
Fraser: Immense ball striking meets incredible counterpunching in this mouth-watering clash. That being said, Halep looks to be making a concerted effort to be more aggressive since her return from injury. If Halep can continue stepping in and taking shots on the way she has so far this tournament she will be hard to beat. Rybakina has the weapons to win this, but keeping a reign on her power will be a massive challenge against someone who will make her play as many balls as Halep will. Halep should edge this for precisely that reason.
Prediction: Halep in 3
Jack: This could be an epic. It certainly looks as though Halep is in decent health and Rybakina is playing well enough to keep up with the Grand Slam champ, even if Halep’s fully fit. It’ll be very tight but I’ll give the slightest advantage to the tennis-beast that is Halep.
Prediction: Halep in 3
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