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, Sloane Stephens vs Greet Minnen, 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
Marta Kostyuk vs Mayar Sherif
Glenys:
The Ukrainian’s season has obviously been effected by what is happening in her home country. However, Kostyuk has been achieving good results this season. Making the semi final in Granby before handing a walkover to her opponent. Sherif on the other hand has not had a good season so far. The pair met at the French Open where Kostyuk took the match in straight sets. Here at the US Open, it will be a repeat.
Prediction: Kostyuk in 2
Johnny:
Sherif defeated Kostyuk at Roland Garros earlier this year, that was the Egyptian’s most recent victory. Kostyuk brings better form into this match and is better suited to the quicker conditions in New York.
Prediction: Kostyuk in 2
Fraser:
Kostyuk has the ball striking ability to do real damage at the US Open. The young Ukrainian can often be wild and hit too many errors, but at her best she is a real force to be reckoned with. Sherif is a tough first round opponent, but I expect big things from Kostyuk at this tournament.
Prediction: Kostyuk in 2
Kaia Kanepi vs Tereza Martincova
Glenys:
Kaia Kanepi made the final of the Citi Open and put up a good fight in Cincinnati against Victoria Azarenka before losing in three sets. Martincova lost in straight sets to Azarenka in the Citi Open. This will be a fairly even match up.
Prediction: Kanepi in 3
Johnny:
Kaia Kanepi frequently finds a way to make some noise at the majors. It’s always hard to know what to expect from the Estonian, the difference between her best and her worst is greater than most. Martincova’s recent form is decent, and she will be good enough to win if Kanepi is off her game. A Martincova win seems slightly more likely.
Prediction: Martincova in 3
Fraser:
Kanepi has had a phenomenal year late in her career and will be full of confidence ahead of this event. Martincova has enjoyed and equally fruitful 2022 campaign and this clash should be one to watch. The Czech has been the slightly better player over the course of the year and I expect her to edge out a tight one in this one.
Prediction: Martincova in 3
Jelena Ostapenko vs Qinwen Zheng
Glenys:
16th seed Ostapenko has not had a great run in to the US Open. Losing to Madison Keys in the second round in Cincinnati and Alison Riske in the Canadian Open. Zheng on the other hand made the quarter final in the Canadian Open. The Chinese player will spring a surprise on the Latvian.
Prediction: Zheng in 3
Johnny:
Qinwen Zheng arrives in New York fresh from the greatest week of her young career in Toronto where she reached the quarterfinals. Zheng has a powerful game and is clearly a player on the rise. A matchup with Ostapenko could go many ways, depending on Ostapenko’s level. OStapenko has been typically inconsistent of late, I think Zheng will be too solid for the Latvian.
Prediction: Zheng in 3
Fraser:
As ever, this one depends on which Ostapenko shows up. She’s been relatively consistent in recent weeks so I’m going to give her the benefit of the doubt here and say she plays well, serves well and keeps errors down for at least a match or two. If that happens then Zheng is in real trouble here and will do well to win games, let alone sets.
Prediction: Ostapenko in 2
Iga Swiatek vs Jasmine Paolini
Glenys:
Swiatek is the top seed and favourite for the title. The Pole has had a bit of an indifferent season so far, but on the hard courts in Flushing Meadow this first round match should be an intersting competition. Paolini made the semi final in Poland, but since then has gone no further than the second round. As the top seed Swiatek should overcome the Italian.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Johnny:
Paolini isn’t the easiest first round opponent for Swiatek, but the Italian isn’t a serious threat to the Pole. Expect Swiatek to make a commanding start to the tournament with a comfortable win.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Fraser:
Swiatek isn’t quite as unstoppable on hard courts as she is on clay. However, she is still a favorite to lift the trophy in New York. She’s also had a bit of a deep in form recently so is due a good run which means one thing. Look out women’s draw.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
