We wrap up the men’s and women’s second rounds on Day 4 of the US Open. That means 16 women’s matches all across the grounds of the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Who will move on to Round 3? As always, our writers here at LWOT will predict all of the matches for you. We split Thursday’s matches between two articles. The other three articles feature Elina Svitolina vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, Ons Jabeur vs Linda Noskova, and Jessica Pegula vs Patricia Maria Tig. Predicting this set of matches are Jack Edward, Nurein Ahmed, and Manuel Traquete.
US Open Day 4 Women’s Predictions
Daria Kasatkina vs Sofia Kenin
Jack:
Sofia Kenin’s brought a great level to a ton of her matches recently, even when she’s lost them. This match against Daria Kasatkina is absolutely winnable if she can tap into her best tennis again. Maybe she’ll lose the next match but I fancy the upset here.
Prediction: Kenin in 3
Nurein:
Injuries curtailed Kenin’s momentum after Wimbledon, but she got a fine win over Ana Bogdan. The same could said of Kasatkina who tamed the big-serving Alycia Parks. A couple of months ago I would’ve been tempted to pick Kenin, but Kasatkina has been so true to her game this year.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 3
Manuel:
It’s almost hard to believe Kenin is a Slam winner given how hard she fell afterwards, but she’s still out there fighting to recapture her best form. Under normal circumstances, though, Kasatkina should have a very clear edge here.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 2
Marketa Vondrousova vs Martina Trevisan
Jack:
Marketa Vondrousova is probably a little more vulnerable than her Wimbledon title run would have you believe. Martina Trevisan isn’t the player to take advantage of any slight shortcomings in the Czech’s game, however–it’ll take a bigger hitter to knock Vondrousova out.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 2
Nurein:
Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova hasn’t generated a lot of buzz coming to the tournament, but make no mistake–she’s not here to make up the numbers. It’s a minor miracle that Martina Trevisan survived her opening match against Yulia Putintseva after dropping the first set 6-0. I can’t see the Czech taking her foot off the pedal here.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 2
Manuel:
Vondrousova defied all odds by going all the way to the title at Wimbledon and has since shown signs that she can remain consistent at this top level. She is unlikely to get a second Slam title here, but a win in this match should absolutely be on the cards.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 2
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Peyton Stearns vs Clara Tauson
Jack:
As much as I believe Clara Tauson will go on to contend with the best in the world, she’s not quite at her peak yet. I still think she has what it takes to narrowly squeeze passed Peyton Stearns, however, even if the American lights up the court for periods of the match.
Prediction: Tauson in 3
Nurein:
A win over Potapova served as a reminder of the genuine credentials that Clara Tauson possesses to get to the very top. Barring any injuries, the young Dane is a Top 20 prospect. She’s been ranked as high as 33rd, but she’s not had a lucky break in keeping that spot due to injuries. If her body holds up, Tauson is very much capable of winning this match against an equally talented opponent in Peyton Stearns.
Prediction: Tauson in 3
Manuel:
Both players are still young with big margin to progress, but they’re already very much a threat to anyone on their day. The support of the home crowrd might well sway things in favor of Stearns here.
Prediction: Stearns in 3
Ons Jabeur vs Linda Noskova
Jack:
Ons Jabeur’s first match, against Camila Osorio, was one of the messiest matches I’ve ever watched. As always, though, the Tunisian did a great job of digging incredibly deep to close out the match despite feeling unwell. Jabeur should get an easier ride against Linda Noskova, somebody that will certainly be prone to being disrupted by the best disruptor in the business.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
Nurein:
Jabeur was reportedly dealing with an illness before the tournament and she didn’t look at her best in beating Camila Osorio. The Tunisian has also spoken of that Wimbledon loss in her pre-tournament presser, which is still weighing heavily in her head. Noskova has been in fantastic form on hard courts and she’s already posted some huge scalps this season. I’ll pick the young Czech for the upset.
Prediction: Noskova in 3
Manuel:
Jabeur is still looking for that first Slam title after three lost finals, including last year’s US Open, but she doesn’t have an easy draw at all here. Noskova beat her earlier this year in Adelaide and certainly has the game to cause her a lot of problems again here.
Prediction: Jabeur in 3
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
