The second round of the US Open continues in New York, and we at LWOT bring you more predictions from Day 5. Our writers Tope, Jordan, and Ilemona analyze four intriguing matches on the women’s side including Amanda Anisimova’s second round match.
Amanda Anisimova vs Maya Joint
Tope: Amanda Anisimova had a challenging lead-up to the US Open, securing only two victories after playing in the Wimbledon final. Yet, she showcased remarkable composure to dominate Kimberly Birrell in her first match this week. Her opponent, Maya Joint, one of the emerging young talents on tour, is still acclimating to the Grand Slam environment. She could make this a competitive contest, but I wouldn’t go as far as to label it an upset potential.
Prediction: Anisimova in 3
Jordan: This is a fascinating matchup. Despite being just 19, Joint has proven how adept she is at disarming powerful opponents. But Anisimova’s groundstroke speed can only be matched by Aryna Sabalenka. Joint could find that hard to adjust to.
Prediction: Anisimova in 2
Ilemona: Anisimova breezed through her opener and looks comfortable on these courts, while Joint scored an impressive win of her own to make the second round. The teenager has plenty of upside, but experience at this stage could make the difference.
Prediction: Anisimova in 2
Daria Kasatkina vs Kamilla Rakhimova
Tope: Daria Kasatkina has struggled since the French Open, and another win would help boost her confidence. She will face Kamilla Rakhimova, who has had a more consistent season for the first time. Despite that, the Russian has yet to make a significant breakthrough and has not proven she can be competitive against a top-20 opponent like Kasatkina, particularly in a Grand Slam event. There is a probability of an upset, but the more likely outcome is for Kasatkina to win.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 3
Jordan: There will be several lengthy rallies in this contest. Kasatkina’s game is more complete than Rakhimova at its best, and she needs to drop her level for an upset to be possible.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 2
Ilemona: Kasatkina handled her first match with her usual consistency and problem-solving skills. Rakhimova showed grit to advance as well, but she hasn’t had the same impact on hard courts. Patience and variety may prove decisive here.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 3
Laura Siegemund vs Anastasia Zakharova
Tope: The experienced German relied on all of her guile and pedigree to fend off a Diana Shnaider comeback in the opening round, and she will be more confident going into this encounter with Zakharova, whom she has defeated before. The Russian has proven herself this season, and while an upset is not impossible, the German will rely on her experience yet again to navigate a win.
Prediction: Siegemund in 3
Jordan: Siegemund continued her incredible Grand Slam form since Wimbledon by beating Diana Shnaider. I think the crafty 37-year-old will continue that run here. Her variety matches well against Zakharova, who thrives on rhythm.
Prediction: Siegemund in 2
Ilemona: Zakharova did well to fight through the first round, though she’s still searching for a breakthrough at this level. Siegemund, on the other hand, leaned on her experience to move past her opener. That blend of craft and know-how might be tough to match.
Prediction: Siegemund in 2
Marta Kostyuk vs Zeynep Sonmez
Tope: Zeynep Sonmez will be looking to punch above her weight in this encounter against Marta Kostyuk, whom she lost to in straight sets in Doha earlier in the season. She will need a near-flawless performance to upset the Ukrainian, though, who put up a very assured performance to oust Katie Boulter in the opener.
Prediction: Kostyuk in 2
Jordan: Sonmez is a great competitor who should not be underestimated. I have a feeling she will take a set from Kostyuk, who sometimes becomes frustrated against dogged opponents. But I still think the Ukrainian will get the job done in the end.
Prediction: Kostyuk in 3
Ilemona: Kostyuk struck the ball cleanly in her first match and has built solid hard-court form over the summer. Sonmez had a breakthrough win to get here, but she’s relatively untested at this stage. Confidence and rhythm could play a big role in shaping the outcome.
Prediction: Kostyuk in 2
Main Photo Credit: Syndication: Desert Sun
