The third round concludes on Day 6 of the US Open, and we will be treated to eight women’s matches as we find out who reaches the Round of 16. Will Iga Swiatek continue her dominant form? Will we see even more upsets? As always, our writers share their thoughts on the matches. We split Saturday’s eight matches between two articles–with the other article featuring Jessica Pegula vs Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. Predicting these matches are Jordan Reynolds, Ilemona Onekutu, and Jim Smith. Who do you think will advance?
US Open Day 6 Women’s Predictions
Sara Errani vs Diana Shnaider
Jordan:
37-year-old Errani getting to the third round is one of the most surprising developments on the women’s side so far. She has absolutely nothing to lose against Shnaider. However, the Italian’s gritty style will not work in this matchup. It’ll repeatedly give Shnaider the chance to repeatedly unload with her powerful groundstrokes to claim victory.
Prediction: Shnaider in 2
Ilemona:
Sara Errani has been a formidable upset machine in her last two matches. I called against her in the previous round, and I am backing her opponent once again. Shnaider’s tennis is a cut above anyone Errani has faced so far.
Prediction: Shnaider in 2
Jim:
Sara Errani won’t make this easy for the young Russian. The Italian has an unusual style of play that can disorient players and a huge amount of experience. But at this stage in their respective careers, Diana Shnaider is simply operating at a different level to Errani.
Prediction: Shnaider in 3
Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Anna Kalinskaya
Jordan:
Haddad Maia is back on track after her run to the final in Cleveland and two good wins at Flushing Meadows. The Brazilian must mix up her paces and spins against Kalinskaya to give herself the best chance of winning. The Dubai Tennis Championships runner-up possesses more firepower than her. Haddad Maia always fights hard, but I think Kalinskaya’a powerful hitting may be too much to handle.
Prediction: Kalinskaya in 3
Ilemona:
Haddad is dangerous when on song and her play so far points to a player has a perfect feel for the court. What stands as a worry for her is the volume of tennis she’s had to play over the last two weeks with a run to the Cleveland final. Kalinskaya has been solid herself but Haddad Maia should have enough to go through.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 2
Jim:
Beatriz Haddad Maia has maintained her solid form coming into the US Open now that she is New York. She does not look likely to be one of the title threats, but she should secure her spot in the second round.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 3
Karolina Muchova vs Anastasia Potapova
Jordan:
This is a completely different challenge for Muchova than the last round against Naomi Osaka. The Czech will need to generate more of her own pace against the dogged Potapova. She did that very well in the first round against Katie Volynets, who has a similar style to her third opponent. Muchova is the favorite to get another win in New York.
Prediction: Muchova in 2
Ilemona:
Karolina Muchova beat two-time US Open champion Naomi Osaka in Round 2 to book her place here. Her level was almost flawless from start to finish and it will be an incredible feat for Potapova to top her here.
Prediction: Muchova in 2
Jim:
Karolina Muchova has looked sharp so far in New York. A warning sign for the rest of the draw. The Czech probably does not have enough tennis behind to her challenge the very best in the game, but she should have the beating of Anastasia Potapova.
Prediction: Muchova in 3
Iga Swiatek vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
Jordan:
Swiatek laid down a marker with her dominant second round win. Her only previous meeting against Pavlyuchenkova ended in a 6-0 6-0 victory at the Italian Open on clay. Playing on a hard court and the law of averages makes a repeat of that score very improbable. But Pavlyuchenkova is unlikely to come close to winning.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Ilemona:
The last time Swiatek faced Pavelyuchenkova, she bageled her twice. Swiatek at her best is usually unplayable on almost all surfaces and with time enough to work out the kinks from her long summer, I expect a level of efficiency close to her best.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Jim:
Iga Swiatek hasn’t looked unbeatable so far in New York, but she has looked like she will be very tough to beat. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova has had a good week, but unless she plays one of the best matches of her career, it is hard to see her pulling off the upset here.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
