We will set the quarterfinal lineups on Day 8 of the US Open. Four blockbuster women’s matches await us on Monday in New York, and our writers are offering their thoughts on all of them. Who do you think will win? Predicting these matches are Fraser Learmonth, Damian Kust, and Andrew Watson.
US Open Day 8 Women’s Predictions
Emma Raducanu vs Shelby Rogers
Fraser:
You’d be hard pressed to find someone who had these two women in their final 16 at this year’s US Open. Nevertheless, both have played great tennis so far in New York and are deserving of their spots in the fourth round. Raducanu looks a budding superstar and has some great weapons in her arsenal. Rogers played well against Barty but also benefited from the Aussie falling apart. Raducanu has played at a higher level so far and should win here if she keeps it up.
Prediction: Raducanu in 3
Damian:
Raducanu is looking like the real deal right now. Following her mental struggles at Wimbledon, it’s fantastic for her development that she’s getting more big matches on the big stage so soon after that campaign. Rogers has become a master of these unexpected Grand Slam upsets recently, but if Raducanu can maintain at least most of her level from that crazy performance against Sorribes Tormo, she might not be done winning in New York yet.
Prediction: Raducanu in 3
Andrew:
Well. Two completely contrasting wins last round, but both sensational. Rogers had an awful record against Barty and to come through in the way she did means she will be flying in terms of confidence. But Raducanu will feel unbeatable right now. The 6-0 6-1 demolition of a player like Sorribes Tormo will make everyone sit up and take notice. I’m going to use the backing up a huge victory theory and say that it’ll be tough for Shelby Rogers to maintain her level and motivation and Raducanu might just be able to force the American into too many awkward positions.
Prediction: Raducanu in 3
Belinda Bencic vs Iga Swiatek
Fraser:
This should be a heck of a match. Both women have brilliant backhands and play aggressive tennis from the baseline. Swiatek has more variety but Bencic is a more accomplished hard court player. That being said, Swiatek won their meeting in Adelaide earlier this year and has improved since then. Back the Polish star to move on here.
Prediction: Swiatek in 3
Damian:
Swiatek won this one very comfortably at Adelaide in February, but the circumstances are different now as her form appears to have dipped, plus Bencic is riding high on confidence from her title at the Olympics. The Pole has had weaker moments against Ferro and Kontaveit this fortnight but managed to stay cool in the pivotal moments of the matches. Bencic might not allow her this much room for error and the Swiss’s flatter strokes are way better suited to the conditions here.
Prediction: Bencic in 3
Andrew:
The Swiss really is in a purple patch following that Olympic Gold but this will be a severe test. Swiatek holds the edge in terms of their previous meeting, which was this year on hard court so does hold relevance. Also Swiatek has a much better record on return on hard which I think will be the deciding factor here.
Prediction: Swiatek in 3
Karolina Pliskova vs Anastasia Pavlyuckenkova
Fraser:
Pliskova has really found a groove in recent weeks and looks in superb form in New York. Pavlyuchenkova is always dangerous when she makes runs like this but I think the Czech should emerge victorious here. She’ll need to serve well to do so, but that hasn’t been a problem for Pliskova so far.
Prediction: Pliskova in 2
Damian:
Pliskova once led this head-to-head 6-0, but has lost the last two, including in Madrid this year. The Czech has been a different beast since Wimbledon though, posting one solid result after another. Her serving has been absurdly good in New York so far as she’s piled up 52 aces in three rounds, including 20 (over two per game) against Tomljanovic. If he can keep up that level, she should get back to winning ways against the Russian.
Prediction: Pliskova in 2
Andrew:
The Russian will be delighted to reach another second week of a Slam. She is becoming a big tournament player at this stage of her career. This was a very one-sided H2H until this year at 6-0 Pliskova, but Pavlyuchenkova has won both meetings this year. However, Pliskova is in much better form now than she was then and I expect her to wrestle that momentum back in her favor. The surface is helping her serve to the extent that it is very difficult to get a racket on.
Prediction: Pliskova in 3
Bianca Andreescu vs Maria Sakkari
Fraser:
Andreescu is playing like she wants her title back. The Canadian has grown into this tournament beautifully well given her lack of form and matches in the run up to this US Open. Her serve came under pressure against Davis and will need to improve against Sakkari. The Greek has looked menacing so far this week and will like her chances here as well. Sakkari has had the better year and is in better form, but Andreescu at her best is hard to best and she’s very close to that now. I think Andreescu finds a way here.
Prediction: Andreescu in 3
Damian:
Andreescu won a thriller between the two at Miami, and it should be a rather tight affair again. Sakkari is only losing to the very best this year but the Canadian would certainly make the cut for that list, especially now that she’s been looking very good again after barely surviving Golubic in the opening round. Sakkari has enjoyed a more even campaign but in a match of two extremely talented tennis players, I’ll go with the one who I suspect has a higher ceiling.
Prediction: Andreescu in 3
Andrew:
The 2019 Champion is still undefeated in the main draw at the US Open. Sakkari will really test that run here, though. The Greek has had a really tough progression through the competition and still hasn’t dropped a set. Andreescu came out the victor in a real tussle in Miami earlier this year but I just think the Greek’s match toughness will give her the edge this time.
Prediction: Sakkari in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
