The third round of the women’s singles starts on Day 5 of the US Open. We get eight matches on Friday, as players will be searching for a coveted second week appearance. Who will get that, and who will fall short? As always, our writers here at LWOT share their thoughts on the matches with you. We split the eight matches between this and a separate article. Predicting these matches are Jordan Reynolds, Damian Kust, and Jim Smith. Who do you think will advance?
US Open Day 5 Women’s Predictions
Elena Rybakina vs Sorana Cirstea
Jordan:
Rybakina has not been challenged at all so far after Ajla Tomljanovic’s withdrawal before their second round meeting. Cirstea has reached the third round of a Grand Slam nearly 20 times now. The match is likely to be competitive, and a fight at times. But Cirstea lacks the weapons to truly upset Rybakina.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Damian:
Rybakina’s health was a question mark going into the US Open, but she looked fine in her opening round and defeated Kostyuk without much of a hustle. The chronically underrated Cirstea has had some fine moments this year, but she kind of has to be hoping for a bit of an off-day from the Kazakh, particularly on serve.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Jim:
The hard-hitting Elena Rybakina is, perhaps unsurprisingly, prone to inconsistency, but when she gets on a roll she can be very hard to stop. Is she on a roll now? It’s hard to say after Ajla Tomljanovic withdrew ahead of their second-round clash, but the Kazakh certainly impressed in beating Marta Kostyuk in her opener.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Karolina Muchova vs Taylor Townsend
Jordan:
Townsend’s win against Beatriz Haddad Maia was emotional and stunning. And I am backing her to cause another upset. Muchova, like Haddad Maia is not one of the biggest hitters on the tour. She does have more variety, but Townsend thrives most when she has time to wind up her groundstrokes, and then regularly come to the net. I think her story is set to continue.
Prediction: Townsend in 3
Damian:
This one will have some unique patterns of play with the variety that both players bring to the table. Townsend is bound to serve-and-volley quite a lot. Is Muchova better equipped to handle that being one of the few players who are extremely comfortable at the net themselves? It’s a pretty fair assumption.
Prediction: Muchova in 2
Jim:
This has the makings of a very watchable match with both players at their best when playing on the front foot. But the problem for Taylor Townsend is that Karolina Muchova has that many more strings on her particular bow.
Prediction: Muchova in 3
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Xinyu Wang vs Anna Karolina Schmiedlova
Jordan:
This is a hard one to call. Both women had excellent wins in the second round. Wang toppled Cleveland champion Sorribes Tormo, while Schmiedlova stopped the conqueror of Maria Sakkari Rebeka Masarova. Wang may just be slightly more consistent in the big moments.
Prediction: Wang in 3
Damian:
Both players seem to have caught some great form in the US Open swing, but it’s Wang who’s been more impressive with the ITF title in Landisville and the WTA QF in Cleveland. This can absolutely go both ways though. Expect the more dynamic ball-striker in the Chinese woman to find a way to advance.
Prediction: Wang in 3
Jim:
Another close contest in the making, with plenty at stake for both players. Wang Xinyu will doubtless have plenty of other opportunities to reach the fourth round at a Major – but it is one she will want to check off her list. For Anna Karolina Schmiedlova, meanwhile, this represents the chance to return to the rarefied air of the second week at a Major for the second time this season. And that experience might just prove to be the difference.
Prediction: Schmiedlova in 3
Coco Gauff vs Elise Mertens
Jordan:
Mertens proved she can handle the American crowd in her comeback win against Danielle Collins. I think she will make this a fight for Gauff, and she does not have much to lose. But ultimately the Cincinnati champion is less prone to lapses than her countrywoman Collins. And is likely to win.
Prediction: Gauff in 3
Damian:
Gauff scored an important win in that opener against Siegemund, allowing herself to loosen up a bit and start handling the new expectations after her great warm-up swing. She almost had to face Collins in Round 3 and she should be happy that now it’s a player with a less imposing game. The American to continue her brilliant patch.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Jim:
After her run to the title in Cincinnati, Coco Gauff must be accounted the favourite here – but this may not be an entirely straightforward day at the office for the young American. Elise Mertens has plenty of ways to hurt opponents and no shortage of competitive drive. Ultimately, however, with the crowd behind her, Gauff should have enough.
Prediction: Gauff in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
