It’s been an entertaining week so far at the US Open and the exciting action is set to continue on day six with third-round matches on the slate in New York. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the schedule, including Aryna Sabalenka vs Clara Burel. But who will book their spot in the fourth round?
US Open Day 6 Predictions
Elina Svitolina vs Jessica Pegula
Jack: I expect big things from Jessica Pegula this tournament but Elina Svitolina is undoubtedly one of the worst third rounds she could possibly have drawn. Her base level is so high at the Slams, however, that I expect her to come through by the skin of her teeth and be all the better for it.
Prediction: Pegula in 3
Jordan: This is surely the match of the third round on the women’s side. Svitolina’s increased aggression since her comeback gives Pegula an extra problem to consider. Overall the American is favourite to reach the fourth round with the quality of her tennis at her home Grand Slam. She has been very consistent. But Svitolina is not incapable of causing a shock.
Prediction: Pegula in 3
Jim: Will Pegula forever be a player who, as good as she is, can’t quite deliver when it matters most? It’s looking increasingly likely. Of course, one could have said the same of Svitolina a few years ago and the Ukrainian’s record isn’t that much better at the Majors than Pegula’s. But she is playing with a real freedom at the moment and that should be the difference here.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
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Ons Jabeur vs Marie Bouzkova
Jack: Akin to her first-round win against Camila Osorio, Ons Jabeur could struggle if she’s made to work hard. Injuries and fatigue will not allow her to get comfortable at any point against Marie Bouzkova. I originally underrated the Czech this tournament but the conditions seem to be suiting her game well—I fancy the upset here.
Prediction: Bouzkova in 3
Jordan: The three-time Grand Slam finalist Jabeur has looked uncomfortable in her first two matches. In the second round she appeared to be sick with some kind of illness that has spread around other players as well. the fast moving and consistent Bouzkova is not an ideal matchup if she is still under the weather. It is hard to predict exactly how Jabeur will play, but my instinct is this could be the shock of the third round.
Prediction: Bouzkova in 3
Jim: Opportunity knocks for Bouzkova against a seemingly laboured Jabeur. The Tunisian is perhaps still suffering the hangover from her defeat in the Wimbledon final, and for a player who relies so much on imagination and daring, that’s troubling.
Prediction: Bouzkova in 3
Daria Kasatkina vs Greet Minnen
Jack: Daria Kasatkina could be hit off the court in these conditions but neither Alycia Parks nor Sofia Kenin could sustain their level long enough to get the job done. Greet Minnen has weaker weapons than those two players so I think Kasatkina survives for another round.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 2
Jordan: It is impossible not to admire Kasatkina’s incredible fighting spirit, somehow recovering against Sofia Kenin after being demolished in the first set. Minnen like Kasatkina is a very good mover, and there will be a lot of long rallies. An upset is possible. But expect the 13th seed to find a way to battle through again.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 3
Jim: Greet Minnen still seems to be riding high after demolishing Venus Williams in the first round. The qualifier is enjoying one of the best runs of her career and will no doubt be desperate to keep it going. But Kasatkina is simply the more complete of the two.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 2
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Zheng Qinwen vs Lucia Bronzetti
Jack: Is this Zheng Qinwen’s breakout moment? Zheng has all the weapons to be a star of the sport but she fluctuates (particularly with her first serve delivery) just a little too often. I don’t expect this match against Lucia Bronzetti to go without a hitch but I do think her run will continue.
Prediction: Zheng in 3
Jordan: This is a hard one to call. Both women have played solid tennis so far, and each has a unique opportunity to reach the fourth round. Zheng could just edge it with some extra firepower when it matters most.
Prediction: Zheng in 3
Jim: Both players have bright futures. But there’s not much doubt about which player has the brighter future in my mind. Bronzetti might make life difficult for the Chinese, but expect Zheng to prove too strong in the end.
Prediction: Zheng in 3
Main photo credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
