Day 2 of the US Open will see 24 women’s first-round matches. Who will advance to Round 2 and who will be sent home early? As always, our writer share their thoughts on all of the matches. We split the 24 matches between six articles. The other articles feature Venus Williams vs Karolina Muchova, Madison Keys vs Renata Zarazua, Mirra Andreeva vs Alycia Parks, Elina Svitolina vs Anna Bondar, and Victoria Mboko vs Barbora Krejcikova. Predicting these matches are Yesh Ginsburg, Damian Kust, and Jordan Reynolds. Who do you think will advance?
US Open Day 2 Women’s Predictions
Ann Li vs Rebecca Sramkova
Yesh:
Sramkova is a solid enough player that I would usually favor her in this matchup. But Li is coming off the best week of her career, and I think she’ll get some home support that can push her through to an upset.
Prediction: Li in 3
Damian:
Li just made the Cleveland final, but couldn’t do much with Cirstea looking unstoppable for the entire week. Can look at it both ways–the American has to be high on confidence, but also wore herself out a bit before the big event. Against a quality Tour player like Sramkova, the latter might turn out to be more important.
Prediction: Sramkova in 3
Jordan:
Li will need to recover mentally and physically from losing the final in Monterrey. That may prove challenging against a very solid hard court player like Sramkova, who is capable of capitalising on any frailties on the other side of the net.
Prediction: Sramkova in 3
Dayana Yastremska vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
Yesh:
I have a bit of a tendency to overestimate Pavlyuchenkova, but it’s only because she has an absurd amount of raw talent. The Russian has been playing better at Slams in recent years than she had for a long time before. I think she can surprise some with a deep run here.
Prediction: Pavlyuchenkova in 3
Damian:
Hard-hitting contest and somebody will have to be executing their game a little better on the day. The Ukrainian has found some form and consistency this season, but lost to Pavlyuchenkova heavily in their only match six years ago. Time has passed and she’s now done enough to be a small favorite against the veteran.
Prediction: Yastremska in 3
Jordan:
Expect short rallies in this battle between two of the most aggressive players in tennis. They are also among the least consistent, making this challenging to predict. I will back Yastremska, but it could go either way.
Prediction: Yastremska in 3
Maria Sakkari vs Tatjana Maria
Yesh:
On grass, I would take Maria in a heartbeat. On a hard court, this will be on Sakkari’s racket. Which is often dangerous for the Greek, but I’d still rather be on team first name in this “battle of the Marias.”
Prediction: Sakkari in 2
Damian:
Iconic scoreboard here. Maria is still a factor, having just recently turned 38 years of age and her style of play can give some players fits. Sakkari on paper shouldn’t have too many issues with it, but their head-to-head stands at 2-2. The Greek isn’t that high on confidence right now so it might get tricky. Eventually you’d think she finds a way.
Prediction: Sakkari in 3
Jordan:
Sakkari’s tendency to beat herself makes Maria’s unique playing style a danger. If she relaxes and plays near her best, she will beat the veteran. The German only has a chance of Sakkari gets nervous.
Prediction: Sakkari in 2
Petra Kvitova vs Diane Parry
Yesh:
It just feels rude to pick against Kvitova. The two-time Wimbledon champion has overcome so much. There’s just too much fight in her to not go out on a high note. I expect one last magical night in New York.
Prediction: Kvitova in 3
Damian:
The last tournament of Kvitova’s career; will we get some veteran magic? Lots of players tend to do well in this scenario and show some vintage ability just before retiring. Considering Parry has had a relatively tough season herself excluding the Wimbledon run, it doesn’t seem impossible for the former World No. 2 to keep this going for a little bit more.
Prediction: Kvitova in 3
Jordan:
Kvitova deserves to end her superb career with a strong run in New York. But I do not think it will happen. She has struggled since returning in February, and Parry’s backhand slice and heavy topspin forehand combination pose a significant challenge for the 35-year-old.
Prediction: Parry in 2
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
