The second round starts on Day 3 of the US Open, with 16 women’s matches scheduled for Wednesday. As always, our writers here at LWOT will share their thoughts on all the matches for you. We split the 16 matches between four articles. In addition to this article, the others feature Madison Keys vs Maya Joint, Victoria Azarenka vs Clara Burel , and Aryna Sabalenka vs Lucia Bronzetti. Predicting these matches are Jordan Reynolds, Manuel Traquete, and Ilemona Onekutu. Who do you think will advance?
US Open Day 3 Women’s Predictions
Donna Vekic vs Greet Minnen
Jordan:
Vekic was not at her vintage best in the last round, but she is likely to improve as the tournament progresses. Minnen does not mind facing powerful hitters, meaning this should be a good match. Vekic is still likely to get the job done with the quality of her game.
Prediction: Vekic in 2
Manuel:
Vekic has been playing really well lately, with runs to the semifinals at Wimbledon and a Silver Medal at the Olympics. She will be looking to make yet another deep run here in New York and she seems to have a very clear edge in this second round matchup.
Prediction: Vekic in 2
Ilemona:
Greet Minnen would fancy her chance to go one further as she squares off against a player she beat a little over two months ago. Vekic would be weary but primed to not let that history repeat itself.
Prediction: Vekic in 3
Moyuka Uchijima vs Jule Niemeier
Jordan:
This contest will mostly boil down to whether Niemeier’s attack can wear down Uchijima’a defense. The German is the better player at her best, but consistency is not her forte. I will back her to win, but without much certainty.
Prediction: Niemeier in 3
Manuel:
On paper, it should be a very even matchup between two players of a similar level. However, Neimeier has dominated both of their previous matchups and seems to have the edge when they face each other in general.
Prediction: Niemeier in 3
Ilemona:
Niemeier caused a significant upset in Round 1, albeit against a player in Yamstremka who was going through a string of losses. That result should remain the confidence boost she needs to extend her lead against Uchijima to three.
Prediction: Niemeier in 3
Taylor Townsend vs Paula Badosa
Jordan:
Townsend is playing some of the best tennis of her career right now, but Badosa is a tough matchup for her. The Spaniard is a great first-serve returner and handles heavy topspin forehand well, both keys to beating Townsend. Badosa to progress in straight sets.
Prediction: Badosa in 2
Manuel:
Badosa won with ease when the pair faced earlier this year at the Australian Open and the same is bound to happen here as the Spaniard is simply the far more solid and consistent player, especially on this surface.
Prediction: Badosa in 2
Ilemona:
Taylor Townsend will have the crowd fully behind when she takes on Paula Badosa in the second round and probably hang with her for a few games. But the Spaniard should have all the answers.
Prediction: Badosa in 2
Coco Gauff vs Tatjana Maria
Jordan:
Maria ended a losing streak in the last round and has nothing to lose here. It is tough to see how the veteran disrupts Gauff, though. Her slices are usually not hit with enough pace to target the forehand, and will allow Gauff to bring her backhand into play.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Manuel:
Gauff has been having a rough patch of form lately, but she is the defending champion here and will be doing everything in her power to defend her title at home. Maria shouldn’t be a very significant obstacle in this second round.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Ilemona:
Gauff looked every bit like the defending champion in her first-round match against Gracheva. There is no reason to doubt she would not be as focused here, Tatjana’s best efforts notwithstanding.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
