It promises to be an entertaining seventh day at the US Open as the second week gets underway in the Big Apple. Every player left standing will no doubt be desperate to secure their spot in the last eight. But who will advance, and who will fall to defeat?
US Open Day 7 Predictions
Emma Navarro vs Coco Gauff
Jim: Emma Navarro had the edge when this pair last met, but Coco Gauff is a better player on hard courts. It may well still be a close contest, but if Gauff can find her best tennis, she should have too much for her compatriot.
Prediction: Gauff in 3
Jordan: Navarro played outstandingly to beat Gauff at Wimbledon, relentlessly attacking her compatriot’s forehand. A repeat of that is not impossible, but I lean in Gauff’s direction in the US Open conditions. The slightly slower and bouncier courts will help to protect her troublesome forehand. Avoiding the need to hit too many second serves is also a key component of this matchup.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Glenys: All American clash at their home Grand Slam. Navarro dominated her first two rounds, before coming up against 19th seed who took her the distance. Gauff has had a similar route with 2 straight set wins in amazing form, then a hard fought battle against Svitolina. This is going to be a very good match up
Prediction: Gauff in 3
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Zheng Qinwen vs Donna Vekic
Jim: It’s been a great stretch for Zheng Qinwen, with the Chinese surely full of confidence after winning gold in Paris. She also beat Donna Vekic in the gold medal match, and should be able to beat her again in New York.
Prediction: Zheng in 2
Jordan: Vekic will like her chances against Zheng at the US Open more than she did before their gold medal match on clay at Roland-Garros over a month ago. However, Zheng’s combination of powerful serving and being able to keep the ball out of Vekic’s strike zone with her heavy topspin forehand is a tough matchup for the Croatian in all conditions. It should be closer than at the Olympics, but Zheng is still a slight favourite.
Prediction: Zheng in 3
Glenys: Olympic Gold medallist had to fight in her first two matches and was taken the distance, but dominated the third round match to get here. Vekic, on the other hand, has eased through in straight sets to this stage. The Chinese leads the head to head, with the last victory being in the Olympic Games this year. Vekic could struggle here against Zheng.
Prediction: Zhang in 2
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Elise Mertens vs Aryna Sabalenka
Jim: Aryna Sabalenka had to deal with a very late finish (and a slow start) in the third round, but safely secured her passage into the second week. She will want to avoid another slow start against Elise Mertens, but the Belarusian has the power to overwhelm Mertens form the baseline.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Jordan: Mertens fought incredibly to get past Madison Keys from a set down. But she is very unlikely to trouble Sabalenka. The Belarusian does not make the same number of errors as Keys, and also returns better. Sabalenka to win comfortably.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Glenys: Mertens had to go the distance against American Keys last round. A very close match that could have taken lots out of Mertens. Sabalenka hasn’t expended as much energy, despite also needing three sets last round. The second seed dominated the last two sets of the third round to set up this meeting. It’s going to be tricky for Mertens.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 3
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Paula Badosa vs Wang Yafan
Jim: It’s been a great tournament for Wang Yafan, in particular her thrilling win over 20th seed Victoria Azarenka. But Paula Badosa, when on song, is probably a cut above any of the opponents she has faced so far at the US Open. The Spaniard should have the edge.
Prediction: Badosa in 2
Jordan: Wang’s run to her first Grand Slam fourth round at the age of 30 has been the most surprising development in the women’s draw so far. She has nothing to lose against Badosa, and will hope her gritty style can extract regular unforced errors from the Spaniard. It is tough to see that happening, though. Badosa is in great form, and will feel comfortable having regular control of the rallies.
Prediction: Badosa in 2
Glenys: Badosa is the seed in this match up, so should be the favourite on paper. However, Wang has impressed so far here. After dominating the first (and only) set against Sakkari the Chinese has continued to move through. Defeating 20th seed Azarenka last time out Wang could do that again to Badosa.
Prediction: Wang in 3
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Main photo credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
