The US Open kicks off on Monday, with a whopping 32 women’s first-round matches scheduled for Day 1. As always, we here at LWOT will share our thoughts on all of the matches. We split the 32 matches between eight articles. In addition to this article, our other articles feature Aryna Sabalenka vs Priscilla Hon, Emma Navarro vs Anna Blinkova, Amanda Anisimova vs Qinwen Zheng, Coco Gauff vs Varvara Gracheva, Elina Svitolina vs Maria Lourdes Carle, Victoria Azarenka vs Yuliia Starodubtseva, and Maria Sakkari vs Yafan Wang. Predicting this set of matches are Jordan Reynolds, Ilemona Onekutu, and Yesh Ginsburg. Who do you think will advance?
US Open Day 1 Women’s Predictions
Ana Bogdan vs Arantxa Rus
Jordan:
Both players played solidly in Cleveland before the US Open, reaching the quarterfinals. Rus tries to control matches with her heavy topspin forehand. However, Bogdan likes playing on clay and is comfortable facing high-bouncing shots. That could prove to be the difference.
Prediction: Bogdan in 3
Ilemona:
Ana Bogdan was on a five-match losing streak coming into the US swing of North American events. She failed to register any wins since her third-round finish at Roland Garros but proceeded to defeat Leylah Fernandez and Greet Minnen (twice) to join the Cleveland quarterfinal as a qualifier. Arantxa Rus is also coming off a quarterfinal in Cleveland after knocking out Lucia Bronzetti and Viktoriya Tomova. It was her fourth WTA quarterfinal of the season after the ones in Hobart, Cluj-Napoca, and Rouen. Ana Bogdan’s solid lead in the head-to-head suggests she might have the mental edge coming into this clash.
Prediction: Bogdan in 3
Yesh:
This match is basically a toss-up. Neither woman is particularly elite, both are very solid, and both are playing some good tennis right now. Get some popcorn and enjoy the match.
Prediction: Bogdan in 3
Tatjana Maria vs Solana Sierra
Jordan:
Maria is in the middle of a losing streak. The qualifier Sierra is not the worst first round draw, but it is tough to have any confidence in the German right now. Sierra’s level from the qualifying stage might be good enough to win.
Prediction: Sierra in 2
Ilemona:
Maria’s level on any given day often depends on how motivated she is. Her recent results coupled with the fact that she is up against an inspired debutant in Solana Sierra who already has three matches under her belt in qualifying hints to the possibility of her going home earlier.
Prediction: Sierra in 3
Yesh:
Maria is best on grass, but she has serious potential everywhere. Unfortunately, her time as a potential elite player is running out and she’s currently playing very poorly. This is a good opportunity for the qualifer.
Prediction: Sierra in 2
Barbora Krejcikova vs Marina Bassols-Ribera
Jordan:
Krejcikova has not been tipped as one of the favorites heading into the US Open, but her triumph at Wimbledon shows what she can do when her game catches fire. Bassols Ribera will struggle against her complete game. The Czech to win in straight sets.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 2
Ilemona:
Barbora Krejcikova extended her winning streak to 10 matches before losing to Anna Karolina Schmiedlova at the Olympics. Marina Bassols-Ribera won all three matches in straight sets in the qualifying rounds to confirm her place in the main draw.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 2
Yesh:
Krejcikova is coming off her second out-of-nowhere Major title. Last time she did that, she followed it up with a strong US Open. I’m expecting another big run in New York from her.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 2
Madison Keys vs Katerina Siniakova
Jordan:
Keys’ last two matches at Wimbledon and the National Bank Open both ended in her retiring with an injury. Hopefully, last year’s US Open semifinalist is ready to compete in New York. Siniakova fought her way to the semifinal in Cleveland last week and could take advantage if Keys is not fully fit, but I will back the American.
Prediction: Keys in 3
Ilemona:
Madison Keys has had more success at the US Open than at any other major. Half of her six Slam semifinals have come in New York, including in 2023. Katerina Siniakova has had a mixed bag of results in singles all season and it is the case for the North American swing as well. Keys leads the head-to-head 1-0. It has been five years since she won their fourth-round clash at Roland-Garros in straight sets.
Prediction: Keys in 3
Yesh:
Keys is a really good player. Siniakova is better on the doubles court and is coming off an impressive Olympics, but Keys is one of the best in the world on this court.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
