US Open action is back on Day 4 with 16 women’s second-round matches. With some of the top players in the world taking the court, these matches will surely deliver fireworks. As always, we at LWOT have our roundtable predictions for every match on the slate. Ilemona Onekutu, Yesh Ginsburg, and Jordan Reynolds provide their insights. Who will advance to the third round?
US Open Day 4 Women’s Predictions
Caroline Wazniacki vs Renata Zarazua
Ilemona
Wazniacki’s power was too much for her opponent in the first round. If she brings the same level, Zarazua would find her too tasking to overcome.
Prediction: Wozniacki in 2
Yesh
Caroline Wozniacki is likely a bit past her Slam-winning days, but she’s still really good, especially on faster courts, as her game has become more aggressive over the years. She should be able to handle the earlier rounds as long as she can keep her consistency.
Prediction: Wozniacki in 2
Jordan
Wozniacki only dropped one game in her opening round. Zarazua plays a similar brand of consistent and gritty tennis. But she simply does not do it as well as her illustrious opponent.
Prediction: Wozniacki in 2
Diana Shnaider vs Clara Tauson
Ilemona
Clara Tauson has not won back to back matches since the French Open. Her task here is made more difficult by the fact that she’s facing a player in Shnaider who has been consistent in that timeframe. The chances of an i you upset here are very unlikely.
Prediction: Shnaider in 2
Yesh
Tauson is a future star who is making good strides this year. But Shnaider has found incredible form this season, and she’s going to be difficult to top.
Prediction: Shnaider in 2
Jordan
Expect plenty of powerful hitting in this one. Shnaider tends to implement her style more consistently, despite her young age. Tauson has not strung more than a few good performances together in a row this season.
Prediction: Shnaider in 3
Katie Boulter vs Jessica Bouzas Maneiro
Ilemona
Both players will fancy their chances of winning this match. Boulter is relatively more comfortable on headcounts and will bank on that to see her across the finish line.
Prediction: Boulter in 3
Yesh
Jessica Bouzas Maneiro made her mark at Wimbledon, reaching the third round. She also looked dominant in her opening match here. I wouldn’t be surprised if she upsets the Brit.
Prediction: Bouzas Maneiro in 3
Jordan
This is an interesting matchup. Boulter will defeat the improving Spaniard if she strikes the ball as accurately as the last two sets of her previous round. But she has been inconsistent for the last couple of months, and Bouzas Maneiro could run her close with her athleticism.
Prediction: Boulter in 3
Naomi Osaka vs Karolina Muchova
Ilemona
Naomi Osaka produced a clinical performance as she dispatched Jelena Ostapenko in round one. The formal campion would put the rest of the field on notice if she is able to maintain the same level here. I expect her to be too much for Muchova.
Prediction: Osaka in 2
Yesh
It’s so unfair that this is a second-round match. Both of these women could definitely win this tournament with the right draw and some breaks. Honestly, I think the faster courts give Osaka the tiniest of advantages, but Muchova has more match rhythm right now.
Prediction: Muchova in 3
Jordan
Both women were among the most impressive players in the opening round. Despite Osaka’s terrific win against Jelena Ostapenko, I am backing Muchova to triumph. Her variety is an ideal way to disrupt Osaka, especially this year.
Prediction: Muchova in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports
