On day four at the US Open, the top half of the women’s draw will battle it out for 16 of the 32 places in the third round in New York. Set to be in action are top seed Naomi Osaka, who faces Bronx Open champion Magda Linette, and future star Cori Gauff who will play Timea Babos, whilst Wimbledon champion Simona Halep is action and two-time runner-up Caroline Wozniacki will face Australian Open semifinalist Danielle Collins. Offering their predictions for this slate of matches are Jim Smith, Jordan Zakery and Tracey Essex.
US Open Day Four Predictions
Simona Halep vs Taylor Townsend
Jim: Though it was far from the most convincing win of her career, Wimbledon champion Simona Halep was surely happy just to get over the line against Nicole Gibbs after back-to-back first-round losses in New York in 2017 and 2018. With that win under her belt, she will surely approach the tournament with renewed confidence and that will be bad news for Taylor Townsend.
Prediction: Halep in 2
Jordan: Halep struggled in her last set and dropped a set. However, the Wimbledon champion is mentally tough and extremely consistent. Townsend can pose a threat when she is playing well as she had a chance to take out Kiki Bertens at Wimbledon. But ultimately, I don’t see Townsend being consistent enough to win against the brick wall that is Halep.
Prediction: Halep in 2
Tracey: This is a big opportunity for Townsend who can certainly push Halep around the court. Halep is a great retriever, but Townsend will open up the court at times. But Townsend may not have the wherewithal to execute regularly and racking up free points with her big serve is a must. But, Halep was pushed in her opener and the Romanian usually recovers well. Perhaps the pro-American player crowd will inspire Townsend, but I think Halep will find a way.
Prediction: Halep in 3
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Ajla Tomljanovic vs Anett Kontaveit
Jim: This could be one of the more intriguing matches of the day. Ajla Tomljanovic has not had a great season, but she remains a very capable touring professional. Anett Kontaveit, meanwhile, has delivered another very consistent season and crushed Sara Sorribes Tormo in the first round. If she can play at that sort of level again, she should have too much for Tomljanovic, though it looks likely to be close.
Prediction: Kontaveit in 3
Jordan: Tomljanovic got through a deciding set convincingly against Marie Bouzkova. I am not convinced of her form yet as she has struggled of late and had to retire during her last WTA match before the open. On the other hand, Kontaveit is really coming into her own this year on the tour. Her dismantling of Sorribes Tormo by a score of 6-1 6-1 shows me that she is in good form and will be a tough for anyone. Look for more of the same from her against Tomljanovic.
Prediction: Kontaveit in 2
Tracey: Tomljanovic has been in a slump, no doubt about it. Perhaps we’re looking at the start of a turnaround, as the Aussie battled to victory against an in-form Marie Bouzkova. Whether or not she escapes her slump in the near future, I see Kontaveit as too strong an opponent in the now. The 21st seed has more depth to her game.
Prediction: Kontaveit in 2
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Sorana Cirstea vs Aliona Bolsova
Jim: Aliona Bolsova has had a great season, highlighted by a run to the fourth round at the French Open. And whilst she does not have massive amounts of experience on hard courts, she played some excellent tennis to upset Barbora Strycova in the first round. But whilst she edged out Sorana Cirstea 7-6 7-6 at Roland Garros, on a hard court, the Romanian should have the edge.
Prediction: Cirstea in 3
Jordan: Cirstea played a great match against Katerina Siniakova in the first round. She played clean and controlled tennis against the woman who conquered Naomi Osaka at the French Open this year. Bolsova was one of the best stories of the French Open with a run through the qualifiers all the way to the round of 16. Despite her success, I don’t think her game translates that well to faster surfaces yet. Cirstea’s experience should be enough to get her through the up and comer Bolsova.
Prediction: Cirstea in 3
Tracey: Beating a seeded player has to build confidence for Bolsova. Though she lost the second set to love, the determined Spaniard commanded in the decider, taking it 6-1. It was a gritty performance from Bolsova. Cirstea took a straight sets victory from doubles standout Katerina Siniakova. It was a good win for the Romanian, but Bolsova seems to be able to find a way to dig out wins.
Prediction: Bolsova in 2
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Kaia Kanepi vs Donna Vekic
Jim: Kaia Kanepi has been responsible for more than her fair share of giant killings in recent years, but had to work hard to claim a first-round win over Tatjana Maria. Donna Vekic, meanwhile, was not at her very best in beating Richel Hogenkamp, but had enough to get past the Dutchwoman. Expect a similar outcome in this one.
Prediction: Vekic in 3
Jordan: Kanepi is a dangerous floater in any draw. She has a powerful game off both wings and managed to beat Julia Georges and almost conquered Petra Martic at Roland Garros. Kanepi’s biggest problem is that her overall consistency has been suspect due to being injury-prone during her career. Vekic has been improving her game and has been the more consistent of the two during the year. Kanepi might take a set, but Vekic’s variety will cause her too many problems.
Prediction: Vekic in 3
Tracey: There were a few questionable moments in Vekic’s first-round win. But, I like the fact that Vekic could make the adjustments needed to get her through. That she can frequently do so is what’s propelled the 23-year-old Croat to her World #23 ranking. The Estonian veteran Kanepi worked through a tough three set match against Maria. Expect the Croat, who can excel in the bigger points and adjust to changing dynamics, to come through.
Prediction: Vekic in 2
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