American Sofia Kenin takes on Britain’s favorite Emma Raducanu in the first round of the US Openi n New York, we have predictions for every women’s first round match.
Emma Raducanu vs Sofia Kenin
Jim: It seems a little strange to see these two meeting in the first round. It is also a tough one to call. But Emma Raducanu has probably been playing the better tennis in recent weeks and also (as a former champion) has a better record in New York than her American opponent. Raducanu in 3
Jordan: Neither of these Grand Slam champions are in great form, but Kenin’s season has been the worse of the two. Raducanu has shown some bright moments at times since returning from an injury in 2024. Her baseline game may hold up slightly better than Kenin’s. Raducanu in 2
Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Elina Avanesyan
Jim: Beatriz Haddad Maia will doubtless have been bitterly disappointed to lose in the final in Cleveland. But it was an encouraging week overall for the Brazilian and should set her up well for the US Open. Haddad Maia in 2
Jordan: Haddad Maia needs to shake off a rough loss to McCartney Kessler in the Monterrey Open final on Saturday. Still, reaching her first final of the season was a step in the right direction for the Brazilian. She faces a tough opener against Avanesyan, who has been playing the best tennis of her career on hard courts recently, but I favour Haddad Maia slightly more. Haddad Maia in 3
Diana Shnaider vs Nadia Podoroska
Jim: This will be a test for Diana Shnaider, but if the Russian can maintain her recent level, it is one she should be well-equipped to pass. Shnaider in 2
Jordan: A deep run in New York would be the cherry on top of an excellent season for Shnaider. She shouldn’t face too many problems against Podoroska. The Argentine is a clay court specialist who is not in the young star’s class. Shnaider in 2
Caroline Garcia vs Renata Zarazua
Jim: One can never be entirely sure what to expect from Caroline Garcia. At her best, the Frenchwoman can be imperious – but she has never quite managed to find that level consistently enough. Still her best, or something close to it, should be more than enough to see her safely past Renata Zarazua. Garcia in 2
Jordan: Garcia’s best level on a hard court is far better than Zarazua’s. However, she often gets herself in trouble in these early rounds, and has not been at her blistering best for a long time. Garcia is backed to win, but it is hard to know what to expect from her. Garcia in 2
Main Photo Credit: Ray Acevedo-USA TODAY Sports
