The US Open begins on Monday with a whopping 32 women’s matches on Day 1 of play. There is a ton of action around the grounds of the Billie Jean King Tennis Center, and our writers here at LWOT will share their thoughts on all of the matches with you. We split the 32 matches between eight articles. Our other articles feature Coco Gauff vs Laura Siegemund, Victoria Azarenka vs Fiona Ferro, Sloane Stephens vs Beatriz Haddad Maia, Caroline Wozniacki vs Tatiana Prozorova, Danielle Collins vs Linda Fruhvirtova, Iga Swiatek vs Rebecca Peterson, and Maria Sakkari vs Rebeka Masarova. Predicting these matches are Jim Smith, Jordan Reynolds, and Yesh Ginsburg. Who do you think will win?
US Open Day 1 Women’s Predictions
Elise Mertens vs Mirjam Bjorklund
Jim:
Typically a very consistent performer, Elise Mertens’ standards have slipped this year. She’s been finding wins hard to come by and with Mirjam Bjorklund having stormed through the qualifying, an upset might just be on the cards here.
Prediction: Bjorklund in 3
Jordan:
Mertens is certainly not having a terrible year, but it has not been one of her best. The last few tournaments in North America in particular have not brought many wins. The Belgian faces an opponent making her first US Open main draw appearance. I watched some of Bjorklund’s matches in qualifying, and she was very impressive. The Swede has a dangerous game. Was she impressive enough to convince me that an upset against a seasoned pro like Mertens is incoming? Not quite.
Prediction: Mertens in 3
Yesh:
Mertens might be on the back end of her career, but she’s still a consistent third-round player at minimum at the Majors. Bjorklund won’t be the right person to stop her from getting a few rounds deep here.
Prediction: Mertens in 2
Xiyu Wang vs Julie Grabher
Jim:
Xiyu Wang has put together some solid results recently and this could be a big US Open for her. Except that she was beaten in straight sets by none other than Julie Grabher last week in Cleveland. Unfortunately for the Chinese, there doesn’t seem to be any real reason to expect a different outcome this time around.
Prediction: Grabher in 2
Jordan:
These two met just days ago in Cleveland. Grabher won that contest in straight sets. The Austrian troubled Wang by mixing up her game effectively, giving the Chinese player no rhythm. A repeat is certainly not a guaranteed. But Wang struggling so much recently Grabher’s style gives the Austrian the edge.
Prediction: Grabher in 3
Yesh:
These players met just last week, and Grabher won easily. Even though I would think Wang is more talented, there’s no reason to expect this match to go any differently.
Prediction: Grabher in 2
[cta id=4014 type=cta]
Lauren Davis vs Danka Kovinic
Jim:
One can never be quite sure what to expect from Lauren Davis. At her best, her clean ballstriking and excellent court coverage make her tough to stop, but she can also be overpowered at times. But Danka Kovinic has been playing indifferently of late and this looks like a winnable match for Davis as a result.
Prediction: Davis in 3
Jordan:
Home favourite Davis does not carry an exceptional amount of form into the US Open. But I do not foresee any issues overcoming Kovinić. The Montenegrin is a big clay court specialist. I expect Davis to repeatedly rush Kovinić by using her attacking backhand on the way to a comfortable win.
Prediction: Davis in 2
Yesh:
Davis loves these course, but she’s not at all consistent enough to really trust on a big stage. Of course, Kovinic has been impossible to trust anywhere recently. This will be on whoever finds their form first.
Prediction: Davis in 3
Elena Rybakina vs Marta Kostyuk
Jim:
It’s been a slightly disappointing summer for Elena Rybakina, but that is probably just a reflection of the generally high standard she’s been setting. But even if she is not quite at her best, she should have the beating of Marta Kostyuk, with the Ukrainian arriving in New York having lost her last three matches.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Jordan:
Hopefully Rybakina is feeling 100% fit after having to retire during her round of 16 match in Cincinnati. There is no room for complacency against Kostyuk regardless. She showed that in wins against María Sakkari and Caroline Garcia in Wimbledon and Washington. Despite that Rybakina should have too much firepower for her opponent. I doubt Kostyuk will make it easy though.
Prediction: Rybakina in 3
Yesh:
Rybakina is one of the best players in the world, and she’s been peaking for the Slams in recent years. I don’t know if she’ll win the whole thing, but I do know that she’ll go far here. Kostyuk is a fine enough player, but Rybakina is on another level.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
