US Open action is back on Day 4 with 16 women’s second-round matches. With some of the top players in the world taking the court, these matches will surely deliver fireworks. As always, we at LWOT have our roundtable predictions for every match on the slate. Ilemona Onekutu, Yesh Ginsburg, and Jordan Reynolds provide their insights. Who will advance to the third round?
US Open Day 4 Women’s Predictions
Beatrice Haddad Maia vs Sara Sorribes Tormo
Ilemona
The danger with backing Beatrice Haddad Maia lies in the uncertainty of how soon her long week in Cleveland could catch up with her. She otherwise has a solid lead against Sara Sorribes Tormo. Two of their last three matches concluded in three sets. Haddad Maia would be weary of racking up more hours on court here but beyond that she should still have a slight advantage.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 3
Yesh
This match looks too good for the second round. Both women have later-round potential. Haddad Maia is a better player, but Sorribes Tormo can be more consistent.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 2
Jordan
Expect plenty of long and brutal rallies in this one. Haddad Maia possesses slightly more firepower. She is also finally finding some form after a difficult year and that might make the difference.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 3
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova vs Elisabetta Cocciaretto
Ilemona
Cocciaretto hasn’t won back to back matches at any event since her time in Birmingham. She however got off to a flying start with a dominant performance against Kateryna Baindl. Pavelyuchenkova for her part equally looked dominant in her first match. Cocciaretto with more time to grow into form would have been a significant test, Pavelyuchenkova should progress easily.
Prediction: Pavelyuchenkova in 2
Yesh
Pavlyuchenkova had her big breakthrough at the French Open a few years ago, but she hasn’t really done a ton since. She’s still talented and one of the better players in the game, so as long as she keeps her nerves in check she can do well.
Prediction: Pavlyuchenkova in 3
Jordan
Pavlyuchenkova is so dangerous at her best but is infamously erratic. Cocciaretto’s style differs from match to match but she is capable of digging in when she needs too. That might see her win a tight match.
Prediction: Cocciaretto in 3
Anastasia Potapova vs Varvara Lepchenko
Ilemona
Potapova bested the former finalist in Layla Fernandez in round one to back up her semifinal finish in Cleveland. She should be too much for the Lepchenko here.
Prediction: Potapova in 2
Yesh
Lepchenko likes playing in her home country, but Potapova is playing so well right now. It’s hard to go against her at the moment.
Prediction: Potapova in 3
Jordan
Potapova has found form after a rough season. She got to the semifinals in Cleveland and was impressive in the opening round. Her consistency and tennis IQ should see her overcome Lepchenko.
Prediction: Potapova in 2
Iga Swiatek vs Ena Shibahara
Ilemona
Ena Shibahara will be delighted with her performance here after her win against Daria Seville in the first round in her main draw debut at the US Open. Her journey beyond this point is highly unlikely as she faces the world no. 1 next. Iga Swiatek should dispatch her opponent comfortably.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Yesh
Shibahara did well to reach this round, but her talents are more suited to the doubles court. She can’t handle Swiatek.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Jordan
Shibahara will already feel like she has won by getting to this stage. She has nothing to lose against the world No. 1, who had some struggles in the opening round. But this is a good draw for her to win again.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – USA TODAY Sports
