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 Coco Gauff vs Tatjana Maria, 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
Qinwen Zheng vs Erika Andreeva
Jordan:
Zheng’s mentality to recover from a set down against Amanda Anisimova was impressive. She faces a different style against Andreeva, but it is one I expect her to overcome. She could make another deep run at a slam in New York.
Prediction: Zheng in 2
Manuel:
The Olympic champion will be trying to go one further than in Australia and finally capture her first Slam title here but her first round performance was far from convincing. She will need to step it up to go deep here but she has shown the ability to do so.
Prediction: Zheng in 2
Ilemona:
Olympic Gold Medalist Qinwen Zheng started her campaign with a tricky test against American Amanda Anisimova. Andreeva will pose less of a threat to the World no. 7. I expect her to win more easily.
Prediction: Zheng in 2
Elina Svitolina vs Anhelina Kalinina
Jordan:
Svitolina progressed despite a disjointed display in the opening round. Although she has a chance to improve here, I am backing an upset in this one. Kalinina is a clean hitter when she is brave and can pile the pressure on Svitolina if the Ukrainian is struggling again.
Prediction: Kalinina in 3
Manuel:
In this all-Ukranian matchup, the edge seems to be clearly on Svitolina’s side; she is the far more solid and consistent player, as shown by their respective rankings, and she dominated all of their previous matchups, including this year in Dubai. She should be able to make the third round here without many difficulties.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Ilemona:
Kalinina has never taken a set off her countrywoman the two times they’ve played each other in the past. She would fancy her chances of finally getting one past her opponent after her less than ideal start to the tournament. I expect Svittolina to elevate her game when it matters however and a set is all she’ll give up here.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
Barbora Krejcikova vs Elena-Gabriela Ruse
Jordan:
Ruse’s forehand makes her a dangerous opponent. However, she plays her best tennis on clay. I doubt she has the overall hard court game to overcome the Wimbledon champion in the second round.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 2
Manuel:
Ranking-wise, it’s one of the most one-sided matchups of this round, but Ruse is a far bigger threat than her ranking suggests. That said, the Wimbledon champion has a knack for raising her level in Slams and should come through here.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 2
Ilemona:
Barbora Krejcikova would hope to get a better start to her second round match than she did in the first She dropped her serve thrice in the first set before regrouping and closing out the match in two sets. There is nothing to suggest she can’t put that bleep behind her quickly and secure her spot in the third round.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 2
Madison Keys vs Maya Joint
Jordan:
Keys did not have to work too hard in the opening round after a lackluster performance by Katerina Siniakova. That was ideal for the American after her injury issues in recent months. Joint’s brand of tennis is unlikely to unsettle Keys enough to threaten an upset, although there should be some fun rallies.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Manuel:
Keys is a former finalist (and two-time semifinalist) at this tournament, where she tends to play her best tennis. After coming so close on several occasions before, she will certainly believe that she has a chance for a title here and with this draw she should at least ensure safe passage to the third round.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Ilemona:
Keys has been unlucky with injuries the last few months and her straightforward win against Siniakova in Round 1 must have been a huge relief. Maya Joint would be least pleased with that resurgence as that would spell a halt to her dream run.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
