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, Elena Rybakina vs Marta Kostyuk, and Iga Swiatek vs Rebecca Peterson. Predicting these matches are Jim Smith, Jordan Reynolds, and Yesh Ginsburg. Who do you think will win?
US Open Day 1 Women’s Predictions
Petra Kvitova vs Cristina Bucsa
Jim:
Petra Kvitova’s record at the US Open is surprisingly poor, at least by the high standards she has set elsewhere. But she did reach the fourth round last season and her best tennis, or something close to it, should see her safely past Cristina Bucsa.
Prediction: Kvitova in 2
Jordan:
Former US Open quarterfinalist has been inconsistent through much of the season. It is hard to predict if she will play sublime or poor tennis. I do think she will reach the second round even if below her best. Bucsa is a good player. But there are question marks about her fitness after she withdrew from her semifinal at a Challenger event in Chicago just days ago. Even if fully fit Kvitová is likely to overwhelm her.
Prediction: Kvitova in 2
Yesh:
Kvitova might not be at her Wimbledon-winning levels from almost a decade ago now, but she’s still one of the best in the world right now. The later rounds will be tougher, but she should see her way through for a while now.
Prediction: Kvitova in 2
Xinyu Wang vs Katie Volynets
Jim:
Wang Xinyu’s run to the quarterfinals in Cleveland bodes well for her chances at the US Open. Katie Volynets impressed in the qualifying and won’t make this easy for the Chinese, but expect Wang to have just about enough to see off Volynets.
Prediction: Wang in 3
Jordan:
Wang has built some nice momentum after winning an ITF event and then following it up with a quarterfinal run in Cleveland. The Chinese player has a very dangerous style when on form. Volynets has yet to win a main draw match at her home Grand Slam. But I am backing her to chase a small upset here. The American has looked very impressive in qualifying, and I have a feeling she will disrupt Wang enough to win.
Prediction: Volynets in 3
Yesh:
Volynets is an inconsistent player who has real potential, especially on courts like this. Wang is a strong player who did well last week in Cleveland, but Volynets will be itching for an upset at home.
Prediction: Volynets in 3
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Taylor Townsend vs Varvara Gracheva
Jim:
This should be a watchable match. Taylor Townsend’s attacking style of play is usually a guarantee of that. But Varvara Gracheva could prove to be an akward opponent for the American.
Prediction: Gracheva in 3
Jordan:
It is easy to forget how high expectations once were for Townsend. Despite a fourth round appearance in New York on her CV, she has not quite lived up to that. This could be a tight battle against Frenchwoman Gracheva, who is a very solid all round player. It is really hard to call. My gut instinct is Gracheva will show a little bit more composure when it counts.
Prediction: Gracheva in 3
Yesh:
Taylor Townsend has never quite found the massive potential that was expected of her when she was a teenager. And she hasn’t gotten along with the USTA, which didn’t help. But the talent and aggressive game are still there, and she should impress in New York.
Prediction: Townsend in 3
Maria Sakkari vs Rebeka Masarova
Jim:
It’s been a tough season for Maria Sakkari, although she did deliver a timely reminder of her quality by reaching the final in Washington. Rebecca Masarova has made solid progress lately, but this should be a challenge too far for the Spaniard.
Prediction: Sakkari in 2
Jordan:
Can Sakkari finally silence the doubters? She has been an excellent Top 10 player for a long time, but has not won a tournament since 2019. She is however very strong at avoiding first round upsets. (Wimbledon on her least favorite surface was a rare exception) The Greek should be relatively comfortable against a talented opponent, but one with two Grand Slam wins to her name throughout her career.
Prediction: Sakkari in 2
Yesh:
Sakkari is a top player who never quite gets over the hump at the biggest of stages. That will be a problem as we get to the business end of the tournament, but it won’t be any trouble in the early rounds.
Prediction: Sakkari in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
