The field at the US Open has been whittled down just to sixteen players as we head into the fourth round. It promises to be an entertaining eighth day in New York with four intriguing matches in the women’s singles. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match, as well as all the action in the men’s draw, but who will win through to the quarterfinals?
US Open Day 8 Predictions
Aryna Sabalenka vs Cristina Bucsa
Ateet: Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka is into the second week of the US Open for the fifth consecutive time, and she hasn’t dropped a set yet. Cristina Bucsa got a great win against Elise Mertens in the third round and is having a great run here. However, Sabalenka’s quality will be too much to handle for the Spaniard.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Ilemona: Sabalenka has been sharp through the opening rounds, striking cleanly off both wings, while Bucsa has been causing upsets round after round and will step on court with nothing to lose. That makes her dangerous, especially if she can frustrate the rhythm early. Still, the matchup should not pose too many problems for the world #1 as Bucsa will need something extra to flip it.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Jordan: Bucsa could frustrate Sabalenka for some of this match with her style of hitting flat without much pace. However, the world #1 is still an overwhelming favorite to reach the fourth round. She can afford to not be at her best and still win this contest.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
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Barbora Krejcikova vs Taylor Townsend
Ateet: Barbora Krejcikova came back from a break down in the third set to defeat Emma Navarro in the third round. This is already her second-best run here, and she has the opportunity to reach the quarterfinal for the second time. Taylor Townsend upset #5 seed Mirra Andreeva in what was one of her best performances of the season. If she keeps playing like this, it will be hard for anyone to stop her.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 3
Ilemona: Townsend has been feeding off the New York crowd, but that’s unlikely to unsettle Krejcikova, who already handled American Emma Navarro in the last round. The Czech also holds the only previous win between them, though it came back in 2017. With such contrasting styles, the tone of the match could swing quickly depending on who settles first.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 3
Jordan: Mitts Andreeva lost her composure against Townsend’s variety in the previous round. I do not think Krejcikova will suffer the same fate. Last year’s Wimbledon champion is one of the smartest players in the game, and knows how to adapt her game to different styles.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 2
Elena Rybakina vs Marketa Vondrousova
Ateet: It was only a matter of when and not if, as Elena Rybakina has finally made the fourth round of the US Open. She totally overpowered the in-form Emma Raducanu and took apart her second serve. Marketa Vondrousova should put up a better fight with her variety, but it’s extremely hard to match a red-hot Rybakina.
Prediction: Rybakina in 3
Ilemona: Both Rybakina and Vondrousova have found exceptional form in New York, with neither player dropping a set so far. Their head-to-head is split, and each has weapons that can trouble the other, making this one of the tighter matchups on paper. It may come down to who can take control of the big points first.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Jordan: Vondrousova’s variety and craftiness is a playing style that Rybakina sometimes struggles against. I am confident the Czech will not wilt like Emma Raducanu did in the previous round. But Rybakina’s high level since Wimbledon ended is still enough for me to give her the edge.
Prediction: Rybakina in 3
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Jessica Pegula vs Ann Li
Ateet: It was a close match the last time these two played at the French Open, and with the form Ann Li is in, I expect another close encounter. Although Jessica Pegula hasn’t dropped a set, she hasn’t been playing at her best, and she will need to improve if she wants to win this match.
Prediction: Pegula in 3
Ilemona: Pegula has been efficient so far, keeping her matches short and her error count down. Li has put together a spirited run, yet this is a step up in opposition and her lack of wins at this stage of majors could be telling.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Jordan: Li does not have much to lose here. She has enjoyed a terrific few weeks, including reaching the final in Monterrey. The pressure is on last year’s runner-up, but Pegula is capable of handling that and effectively using her considerable superiority in backhand-to-backhand exchanges.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Main photo credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
