We’re finishing up the quarterfinals at the US Open. The final two semifinal spots are up for grabs on Wednesday. Who will come through? Who will falter? Our writers share their thoughts with you. Predicting today are writers Nurein Ahmed, Brett Margolies, Utkarsha Mitra, and Lukas Weese, along with editor Yesh Ginsburg.
Panelists Predictions US Open Day 10 Women’s Matches
Naomi Osaka vs Lesia Tsurenko
Brett:
Lesia Tsurenko struggled physically in her three-set win over Vondrosouva, so I don’t know how she’ll hold up against a big hitter in Naomi Osaka. Tsurenko’s defense will allow her to hang around for a little while, but Osaka should win comfortably.
Prediction: Osaka in 2
Nurein:
I have no idea what happened to Tsurenko midway through her match against Vondrousouva. But whatever she did, whether it was real or some bad gamesmanship, we can safely say the Czech bought into it. I watched some highlights of the match and Tsurenko almost collapsed at one point and doctors had to run a blood pressure test to make sure she was fit to play. Osaka should have no trouble whatsoever to win this, and I would not be surprised if there is a retirement by the Ukranian.
Prediction: Osaka in 2
Utkarsha:
Osaka won their only matchup 4 years ago, so that mental edge won’t matter here. Form-wise, there’s not much to choose either. Both Tsurenko and Osaka have had comfortable wins as well as a difficult one. Should be an interesting match.
Prediction: Osaka in 3
Lukas:
Tsurenko is entering this match after battling to win a tight three set contest. She was able to break her opponent on eight occasions, but had seven double faults last match. She will need to serve better against Osaka, who has captivated the women’s draw with her energy and relentless defense. These two players have never met before but I like Tsurenko to make the semis. She will take advantage of Osaka’s poor first serve and use her serving and return game to get her to the semifinals.
Prediction: Tsurenko in 2
Yesh:
Osaka has been a revelation this tournament. She has always clearly been incredibly talented, but she’s putting it all together right now to make a huge Grand Slam run. She’s going to punch her ticket to her first Slam semifinal here. Let’s see how much further she can go.
Prediction: Osaka in 2
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Madison Keys vs Carla Suarez Navarro
Nurein:
Suarez Navarro usually struggles against powerful hitting players, so her win over Sharapova was a real surprise. But Sharapova’s inconsistencies over the last few years continue to show that she could lose to anybody at any time. Keys though is a different kettle of fish. She absolutely tortured Cibulkova the other day by blowing her off court. Given a resounding 3-0 record she holds over the Spaniard, I can see a pretty routine win for Madison Keys.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Utkarsha:
Keys has a 3-0 H2H record against Suarez Navarro, with all matches going to the decider. Keys has looked rather perfect at US Open this year, but Suarez Navarro has proved that she can stand strong even after returning a barrage of attacking shots.
Prediction: Keys in 3
Brett:
Carla Suarez Navarro took out a big hitter in Maria Sharapova in the round of 16. It won’t get any easier against home favorite Madison Keys in the quarterfinals. Stylistically you wouldn’t think this is a favorable matchup for Suarez Navarro, but she’s played well on the slow courts so far. I think she’ll be able to hang in the rallies with Keys and ultimately advance to the semifinals of a Major for the first time in her career.
Prediction: Suarez Navarro in 3
Lukas:
Suarez Navarro is coming into this match after one where she won 62% of her first serve points. She converted six of her eight break points but she did not serve well. She was solid from the baseline and utilized her one handed backhand to put her opponent in tough spots. Keys dominated Cibulkova coming into this quarterfinal match. She only had 15 unforced errors and won 83% of her first serve points. Suarez Navarro is 0-6 in Grand Slam quarterfinal matches. Despite the Spaniard’s best efforts, I like Keys to use her power to advance to her second consecutive US Open semifinal.
Prediction: Keys in 3
Yesh:
Suarez Navarro did a great job getting past Maria Sharapova last round–in straight sets, too. But beating Keys on this surface will be too much to ask of the Spaniard. Keys is just too good, and she wants to go a step further than she did last year.
Prediction: Keys in 2
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