Day 5 at the US Open will see eight women’s third-round matches, including Serena Williams’ next attempt to keep her career going. As always, we here at LWOT share our thoughts on all the matches–split between this and a separate article. Predicting today’s matches are Shane Black, Damian Kust, and Jim Smith.
US Open Day 5 Women’s Predictions
Ons Jabeur vs Shelby Rogers
Shane:
Ons Jabeur and Shelby Rogers are very likely to produce one of the top matches of the day in New York. Jabeur is 2-0 against the American, but those matches were over three years ago. Rogers had a much better North American lead-up, but Jabeur has looked more dominant this week. In a match I see going the distance, I think the consistency of the #5 seed powers her through.
Prediction: Jabeur in 3
Damian:
Shelby Rogers is widely known for upsets over high seeds in big events. Ons Jabeur isn’t invincible at the moment and had a few instances when she struggled with hot and humid conditions (including Toronto a couple of weeks back). If Rogers can make her work for it, she could pull off another stunner.
Prediction: Rogers in 3
Jim:
Rogers does have the power to win this match, but its hard to see her keeping her rhythm well enough to hit the ball cleanly with Jabeur possessing so much variety.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
Veronika Kudermetova vs Dalma Galfi
Shane:
Veronika Kudermetova and Dalma Galfi have both looked dominant in their round one and two straight-set victories. Their strong ball striking and confidence from the baseline has been a major key in their wins. With that said, I believe the #18 seed has more weapons to punish the Hungarian over three sets.
Prediction: Kudermetova in 3
Damian:
Of the number of Hungarians recently making the jump to the WTA Tour, Dalma Galfi has the best chance of sticking around. Her New York campaign probably ends here though as Veronika Kudermetova has been insanely consistent in getting deep runs this year, even if she’s still going a bit under the radar.
Prediction: Kudermetova in 2
Jim:
Kudernetova is having another very solid season. It’s been a great tournament for Galfi, but her run surely ends here.
Prediction: Kudermetova in 2
Liudmila Samsonova vs Aleksandra Krunic
Shane:
Liudmila Samsonova is one of the most in-form players on the WTA Tour. Winning titles in Washington and Cleveland, Samsonova has won 12 straight matches since August 1st. Aleksandra Krunic had a solid round two win over Barbora Krejcikova, but is not nearly the hard-court player as her opponent. Samsonova should roll.
Prediction: Samsonova in 2
Damian:
Liudmila Samsonova is on a 12-match win streak right now and her serve has been absolutely devastating throughout this run. The way she took out Leylah Annie Fernandez in round two proved she’s a very serious threat at this year’s US Open. Alexandra Krunic has some great court craft, but she’ll be overpowered here.
Prediction: Samsonova in 2
Jim:
As well as Krunic played in beating Krejcokova, its hard to see her backing it up against the in-form Samsonova. If the Russian plays anything like her best tennis, this will be a comfortable day at the office.
Prediction: Samsonova in 2
Coco Gauff vs Madison Keys
Shane:
I believe Coco Gauff has what it takes to win this tournament, but this round three match against Madison Keys may be one of the toughest battles in her way. Keys won their only previous meeting, a three-set encounter earlier this season in Adelaide. Featuring two of the hardest ball strikers on tour, this match will be full of fireworks. Though I think serving woes could cost Gauff, I favor her to find a path to victory in the third set.
Prediction: Gauff in 3
Damian:
The third round is filled with great matchups and that’s definitely one of them. Madison Keys barely survived Camila Giorgi in the opening round, but she loves these lighter balls and the speed of the surface suits her in this matchup. Cori Gauff won’t let her take it for free, that’s for sure.
Prediction: Keys in 3
Jim:
This is unquestionably Gauff’s biggest test so far at the US Open and make no mistake Keys could win this match. But she’s not quite the athlete she was in her pomp with injuries having taken their toll.
Prediction: Gauff in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
