As the 2019 US Open heads into its fourth day at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre, the top half of the women’s draw are set to do battle for a place in the third round in New York. In action are top seed Naomi Osaka, who faces Bronx Open champion Magda Linette, and future star Cori Gauff, with Wimbledon champion Simona Halep set to face Taylor Townsend and two-time runner-up Caroline Wozniacki up against Australian Open semifinalist Danielle Collins. Offering their predictions for this slate of matches are Jim Smith, Damian Kust and Tracey Essex.
US Open Day Four Predictions
Cori Gauff vs Timea Babos
Jim: Cori Gauff scored yet another electrifying win at a Major by rallying past Anastasia Potapova. There will be causes for concern for the 15-year-old, not least the 11 double faults she hit. But she is riding a wave of massive belief right now and that will make her hard to stop, particularly with the fulsome backing of the crowd. Expect Timea Babos to become her latest victim, though not without a fight.
Prediction: Gauff in 3
Damian: Babos’ qualifying for the event is her first singles achievement in quite a while. Cori Gauff, the 15-year-old wunderkind should have it easier here than against Potapova and I like her chances to possibly set up a blockbuster third-round clash against Naomi Osaka. The American has been impressively clutch and composed, something you don’t often see at her age.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Tracey: Even with 11 double faults and 42 unforced errors, Gauff found a way to beat Potapova. It was a remarkable display of mental maturity demonstrated by the 15-year-old phenom, whilst the crowd threw their support behind Gauff. Babos, a seasoned doubles player with little success in the singles side, should be squarely in the wheelhouse of America’s rising star. It may take a few games for Gauff to figure out the Babos game, and it will require Gauff to clean up her errant balls. But, this match is on Gauff’s racquet.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
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Yulia Putintseva vs Aryna Sabalenka
Jim: After coming out on top in an all-Belarusian battle against Victoria Azarenka, Aryna Sabalenka faces another test up against Yulia Putintseva. The Kazakh’s accuracy off the ground and court coverage ensure that she is never an easy opponent to play against. But Sabalenka’s power should give her a decisive edge in this one.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 3
Damian: The ninth seed survived a nightmare of a first round against her compatriot Viktoria Azarenka but her draw from hell continues. The 5’4’’ (1.63m) Kazakh is an excellent counterpuncher who often makes it tricky for players like Sabalenka. The Belarusian has an obvious power advantage but will have to play very patiently to get the win.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 3
Tracey: If Sabalenka can maintain the level exhibited against Azarenka, she’s got a ticket to the finals though cleaning up the double faults and unforced errors will help. But even with 13 doubles faults, Sabalenka found her big hitting in the big moments. Certainly, the hard courts in Flushing Meadows suit the Belarusian. Putintseva will be hard pressed to find the weapons to thwart Sabalenka if she finds her range.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
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Kirsten Flipkens vs Bianca Andreescu
Jim: Rogers Cup champion Bianca Andreescu made a composed, if unspectacular start to her US Open campaign with a 6-2 6-4 over wildcard Katie Volynets. She will face a rather different test up against the veteran qualifier Kirsten Flipkens, who battled past Wang Xiyu in three sets in the first round. But it is hard to see Andreescu failing to pass it.
Prediction: Andreescu in 2
Damian: Andreescu has an absolutely unbelievable 40-4 win-loss record this year, including two Premier titles at Miami and Toronto. Flipkens can play an effective slice and dice game but she’ll likely be overpowered by the Canadian, who might just end this fortnight on top of the world in the Big Apple.
Prediction: Andreescu in 2
Tracey: Getting through the first round in straights is uncharacteristic for Andreescu. Whether it’s a lapse, a slight let down or just part of the Canadian’s psyche, Andreescu takes most matches to three setters. But the Rogers Cup champion continues to find a way to win through her shot variety, her penetrating power and most importantly, her ability to find a way into her opponent’s service games. The Tour’s third best returner, Andreescu wins 47.4% off her opponents’ racquets. It should be smooth sailing into the third round for the teenager.
Prediction: Andreescu in 2
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Petra Kvitova vs Andrea Petkovic
Jim: The US Open has not been the happiest of hunting grounds for Petra Kvitova. Indeed, it is only the Major where she has failed to pass the quarterfinals. But she made a good start to her 2019 campaign with a comprehensive win over her compatriot Denisa Allertova. Andrea Petkovic will surely present more of a challenge, but Kvitova should have the quality to reach the third round.
Prediction: Kvitova in 3
Damian: The Czech has been struggling with a forearm injury and played just one match between Wimbledon and the US Open. But Petkovic is long past her prime and won consecutive matches just once this season and if Kvitova is anywhere near fully fit, she should get through the German with ease.
Prediction: Kvitova in 2
Tracey: Kvitova has made at least the third round at the US Open since 2011, and this year should be no exception. If the Czech superstar can capitalize on her break point opportunities, Kvitova can win in straight sets. Yet, that’s the most troublesome aspect of the Kvitova game. Against Allertova, Kvitova converted only 33% of her break points and Petkovic will be a tougher opponent than Allertova. A head-to-head tied at 5-5 should be a warning sign for Kvitova to steel herself for a battle and not let any opportunity pass her by. But the Czech should still find way through.
Prediction: Kvitova in 3
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