We’re in the second week of the final Grand Slam of 2018. The US Open is rapidly approaching its final stages, and there are four Round of 16 matches taking place on Sunday. Our panelists are here to predict all four of them for you. Predicting today are writers David Adair and Tracey Essex, along with editors Steen Kirby and Yesh Ginsburg.
Panelists Predictions US Open Day 7 Women’s Matches
Ashleigh Barty vs Karolina Pliskova
Tracey:
Karolina Pliskova is poised to make a deep run, and she’s moved easily through her first three matches. While Barty has fared the same, her doubles play with Coco Vandeweghe gives her no day of rest. If all things were equal, this match would be a toss-up. But on a humid September day and after a lot of court time, Barty will be exited by Pliskova.
Prediction: Pliskova in 3
Steen:
I’ll tip Pliskova as a slight favorite here. Barty hasn’t had the most difficult path, and the h2h is split. This match could go either way but Pliskova seems more accomplished right now.
Prediction: Pliskova in 3
David:
Pliskova hasn’t put a solid Slam run together since 2016. Her serve doesn’t have the same bite it did then. There has been a lot to like about Barty this season. The Aussie will find a way through this match.
Prediction: Barty in 2
Yesh:
Barty is playing really well, but she doesn’t quite have an answer for Pliskova’s overwhelming power. This match will be on Pliskova’s racket. If she can stay consistent, she should win.
Prediction: Pliskova in 3
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Anastasija Sevastova vs Elina Svitolina
Tracey:
Both players are in exceptional form and I don’t expect either to bring anything less into the fourth round. It’ll be an exciting match, no doubt, but an aggressive and determined Svitolina will fight to a winning finish.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
Steen:
Sevastova has had to battle to this point while Svitolina has won her last two matches with ease. The favorite should continue her winning streak.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
David:
Svitolina is starting to find her groove. This is her best opportunity to improve her Slam performance. I think she will take it, but the match will go the distance.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
Yesh:
Both players are playing really well right now, and Svitolina has done well to get this far. She looks to finally get the “can’t do well in Slams” monkey off her back.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
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Sloane Stephens vs Elise Mertens
Tracey:
Sloane Stephens just improves with each match she plays. And, when Mertens steps on the court, she’ll not only be fighting Stephens but a vocal and supportive crowd which loves their American players. Mertens has been consistent this hard court season, but she’ll have to find a lot more winners to upend Stephens.
Prediction: Stephens in 2
Steen:
This match feels like an upset. The pressure will all be on Stephens and Mertens has a H2H win. Mertens is in good form and I see Stephens slipping up here.
Prediction: Mertens in 2
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David:
Last year’s champion is not playing with the same confidence and belief this year. The ultra consistent Elise Mertens will stick at it and wear her down.
Prediction: Mertens in 2
Yesh:
Stephens won the tournament last year but hasn’t looked as good this year. She always does what is necessary to get through matches. Can she raise her level enough to get by Mertens? I think she can.
Prediction: Stephens in 3
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Kaia Kanepi vs Serena Williams
Tracey:
While Serena referred to her ankle roll as “nothing new,” it’s the only factor that would prevent her from winning this match with ease. If Serena serves anywhere near her Friday night 80% first serve, Kanepi won’t see a break point opportunity. We’re seeing the return of the Serena of old–and that Serena is just too much for Kanepi.
Prediction: Williams in 2
Steen:
Serena has never lost to Kanepi and she hasn’t dropped a set this tournament. Kanepi is a massive underdog for a reason.
Prediction: Williams in 2
David:
Serena has a 4-0 head-to head lead over Kanepi and annihilated Venus last round. Neither player has dropped a set. This will be close. However, the way Kanepi simply bullied Halep first round was the best performance of the tournament so far – between these two. Kanepi will shock Serena, who is not playing as well as Halep was prior to meeting Kanepi.
Prediction: Kanepi in 3
Yesh:
Kanepi has played incredibly well this tournament. If she can replicate the level she showed in the first round against Halep, she might actually be able to win this match. She’ll challenge Serena, but she won’t win.
Prediction: Williams in 3
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