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, Petra Kvitova vs Diane Parry, and Elina Svitolina vs Anna Bondar. Predicting these matches are Yesh Ginsburg, Damian Kust, and Jordan Reynolds. Who do you think will advance?
US Open Day 2 Women’s Predictions
Elena Rybakina vs Julieta Pareja
Yesh:
Pareja has a bright future and the American crowd always loves an upcoming countrywoman, but she’ll be out of her depth in this one.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Damian:
Pareja is a junior star and we’ll soon know more about whether she can develop that into a successful pro career. This will be a good test for her to see where she’s at against an elite opponent. But Rybakina has been amazing in North America this summer and is simply one of the tournament contenders.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Jordan:
Although losing semifinals in her three tournaments before the US Open was frustrating, Rybakina played her most consistent tennis since the opening stages of 2024. She should have no issues against Pareja, who is weaker than the former Wimbledon winner in every department.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Peyton Stearns vs Darja Semenistaja
Yesh:
I expect a lot from Peyton Stearns, if she can stay healthy. That’s the question for her right now. If she’s fully fit, she should have real success on these quick hard courts.
Prediction: Stearns in 3
Damian:
Stearns is a tough player to predict and has done next to nothing after these massive runs in Madrid and Rome. US Open is typically a happy hunting ground for her, but she’ll need to get things going quickly. While Semenistaja doesn’t have a weapon like the American’s heavy forehand, you can maybe trust her to perform a bit more right now.
Prediction: Semenistaja in 3
Jordan:
Stearns enters this match after a poor North American hard court swing so far. That gives her gritty opponent a chance of causing an upset. I still give Stearns a narrow advantage, but that is not predicted with much confidence.
Prediction: Stearns in 3
Claire Liu vs Cristina Bucsa
Yesh:
Claire Liu showed her potential a decade ago and has never really found it. It’s too late to expect great things from her, but she’s playing well right now, and a few solid performances at a home Slam isn’t too much to ask.
Prediction: Liu in 3
Damian:
Liu missed the entire second half of last year and is now slowly trying to rebuild her game. The qualifying campaign was quite impressive with nobody coming close despite a few experienced opponents. That rhythm gathered there could help her and there’s a bit more intrigue as to what she can show here than it is with a stagnating Bucsa.
Prediction: Liu in 3
Jordan:
This could go either way. Liu has more firepower from her forehand, but Bucsa’s flat shots without much power could stifle that weapon. The Spaniard is a very narrow favorite.
Prediction: Bucsa in 3
Victoria Mboko vs Barbora Krejcikova
Yesh:
Mboko came out of nowhere to destroy everyone in Montreal almost a month ago. Was that a sign that she’s ready to take the Tour by storm? Or was that lightning in a bottle in front of an adoring crowd? I’m guessing the latter. The Canadian will make her mark on the Majors soon, but I don’t expect it to be here just yet. Maybe with a kinder draw she could have built momentum again, but Krejcikova is not the right player to start against for that.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 2
Damian:
Presuming both will be at 100%, this matchup has insane potential. Mboko hasn’t played since Montreal, which was probably a good choice after such an emotional run and an incredible career breakthrough. She’s been a monster this season, but you can never write off Krejcikova with how smart she is (and she does like a random peak). Blockbuster.
Prediction: Mboko in 3
Jordan:
This is one of the most fascinating opening round Grand Slam matches this season. Despite Mboko’s amazing run in her last appearance in Montreal, I am backing the two-time Grand Slam champion. She possesses one of the best tennis IQs out there, which could prove crucial in halting Mboko.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 2
Main Photo Credit: Ray Acevedo-USA TODAY Sports
