Tuesday is Day 2 at the US Open, and there are 32 women’s matches across the grounds at the Billie Jean King Tennis Center. As always, we here at LWOT are here to share our thoughts on all the matches for you. We split the 32 matches between eight articles. Our other articles for Day 2 feature Naomi Osaka vs Danielle Collins, Venus Williams vs Alison Van Uytvanck, Iga Swiatek vs Jasmine Paolini, Petra Kvitova vs Erika Andreeva, Garbine Muguruza vs Clara Tauson, Jessica Pegula vs Viktorija Golubic, and Emma Raducanu vs Alize Cornet. Predicting these matches are Glenys Furness, Johnny Connell, and Fraser Learmonth. Who do you think will win?
US Open Day 2 Women’s Predictions
Aryna Sabalenka vs Catherine Harrison
Glenys:
Sabalenka is coming in on the back of a semi final spot in Cincinnati. The Belarussian is the sixth seed at Flushing Meadows, so will definitely have pressure to take the win. Harrison, on the other hand will be a dangerous opponent. Having come through qualifying to the main draw. Qualifiers usually have the advantage of the court conditions.
Prediction: Harrison in 3
Johnny:
Catherine Harrison is already having one of the best weeks of her career by qualifying for the main draw. Facing Sabalenka will be a daunting prospect for someone of her level, expect Sabalenka to dominate this matchup, even if she hits too many double faults.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Fraser:
This one is pretty simple. If Sabalenka serves well, she wins a lot of matches and we see her deep in the second week, if she doesn’t then she may not even make it out of this round. I expect she will find her feet in time and make a good go of it in New York.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Belinda Bencic vs Andrea Petkovic
Glenys:
The Swiss is seeded again at Flushing Meadows. Having made the quarter final at The Canadian Open but losing a tight three setter in the first round in Cincinnati, Bencic’s lead up has been up and down. Petkovic will be the outsider for this, however although the German’s build up hasn’t been ideal she will be hoping to go further than recent years here.
Prediction: Bencic in 3
Johnny:
Belinda Bencic showed a good level in Toronto a few weeks ago and is one to keep an eye on this tournament. The quick hard courts in New York suit Bencic’s game perfectly, a former semifinalist at the US Open. Andrea Petkovic is washed up, not really a threat at this level anymore. Bencic should be far too solid in all departments.
Prediction: Bencic in 2
Fraser:
I have Bencic as a real dark horse threat to win it all here. The Swiss loves this event and has been edging back towards her best in recent months. If she can bag a few wins and grow into the tournament she could well win it.
Prediction: Bencic in 2
Elena Rybakina vs Clara Burel
Glenys:
Coming off the back of a quarterfinal spot in Cincinnati, Rybakina will be full of confidence. The Kazakh is also coming off the back of a maiden Slam win on the grass at Wimbledon. Flushing Meadows has seen Rybakina steadily improve where she reaches, having made the third round last year in her third main draw. Burel has come through qualifying and had an excellent win against the seventh qualifying seed to make the main draw.
Prediction: Rybakina in 3
Johnny:
Elena Rybakina hasn’t been too convincing since her Wimbledon triumph, but that’s understandable. The Kazakh will be a threat to anyone in New York if she rediscovers her Wimbledon form. The conditions in New York will also suit her powerful game. Expect Rybakina to have too much game for Burel in this opening round matchup.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Fraser:
One of two women who could end the streak of four different Grand Slam winners every year since 2016 in the women’s game. Rybakina was brilliant at Wimbledon. I don’t know if she can do that again in New York, but she should be able to move on here at the very least.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Sloane Stephens vs Greet Minnen
Glenys:
Stephens’ home Grand Slam and her build up events have been OK. The American was beaten by seeded players at both Cincinnati and the Canadian Open. Minnen on the other hand has not had a good build up. The Belgian lost in the first round in the Citi Open and Granby. This should be an easy win for Stephens.
Prediction: Stephens in 2
Johnny:
Sloane Stephens isn’t the player she was when she won the US Open in 2017, but she is still very capable when she’s committed to the cause. There have been some better signs from Stephens in the lead-up to this year’s event and she has been given a favorable opening round matchup with Minnen. Stephens is a bad matchup for Minnen, expect the American to cruise through this one.
Prediction: Stephens in 2
Fraser:
Stephens won this event once upon a time but hasn’t been anywhere near the same player in recent years. I expect another disappointing showing from the American in this one, with Minnen the kind of player who will happily take advantage of that.
Prediction: Minnen in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
