The first round of women’s singles at the US Open wraps up on Tuesday, Day 3 of the event. There are 20 matches remaining to be contested, and our writers here at LastWordOnTennis share their thoughts on them. We split the 20 matches between five articles. The other four feature Coco Gauff vs Ajla Tomljanovic, Iga Swiatek vs Emiliana Arango, Amanda Anisimova vs Clara Burel, and Danielle Collins vs Jaqueline Cristian. Predicting these matches are Tope Oke, Jordan Reynolds, and Ilemona Onekutu. Who do you think will advance?
US Open Day 3 Women’s Predictions
Maya Joint vs Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva
Tope:
Interesting to note that both players were playing on the ITF circuits last year, but a year after, Joint has made significant progress in her career. She is in the top #50 and should be a sizable favorite over the Andorran debutant.
Prediction: Joint in 2
Jordan:
Despite her young age, the composed and uber talented Joint could go far at the US Open. Expect her to have few issues in this matchup against an opponent whose hard court game is nowhere near as complete as hers.
Prediction: Joint in 2
Ilemona:
Both teenagers are chasing their first real breakthrough at this level, and that alone makes this match intriguing. Joint’s natural comfort on hard courts has been evident in her rapid rise, while Jimenez Kasintseva tends to thrive more on clay. Whoever adapts quickest to the stage may walk away with a valuable early Slam win.
Prediction: Joint in 3
Linda Noskova vs Dalma Galfi
Tope:
If this were to be on clay, I’d have defied the odds to pick a Galfi victory, but Noskova is relatively the better player on hard courts. That being said, the Hungarian won’t make it easy for her.
Prediction: Noskova in 3
Jordan:
Although an inferior player to Noskova, Galfi does not show any fear during her matches. That mindset at least gives her a slim opportunity of upsetting the Czech. It is still unlikely, though.
Prediction: Noskova in 2
Ilemona:
Linda Noskova has put together some impressive results this season, especially on faster courts where her ball-striking shines. Galfi has battled inconsistencies, though she’s always capable of catching fire if she settles into a rhythm. Their only prior meeting was close, so this could hinge on which player handles pressure better.
Prediction: Noskova in 2
Francesca Jones vs Eva Lys
Tope:
Francesca Jones has only lost once in her last 15 matches, winning the Palermo Challenger title and blitzing the US Open qualifiers without yielding a set. Yet, with these impressive figures, I still feel Eva Lys will have to much for her on her New York debut.
Prediction: Lys in 3
Jordan:
Matches involving Lys are usually fun. The German will be the aggressor in most of the rallies against her British opponent. Jones tends to play better on clay, and I expect Lys to triumph without dropping a set.
Prediction: Lys in 2
Ilemona:
Francesca Jones’ comeback story has been inspiring, but her match rhythm has been up and down against top competition. Lys, meanwhile, has been building steadily and looks increasingly comfortable on hard courts. With no head-to-head history, it’s a fresh matchup where momentum could swing quickly either way.
Prediction: Lys in 3
Naomi Osaka vs Greet Minnen
Tope:
There are always uncertainties surrounding which version of Osaka will appear on the court, but in an event that evokes such positive memories for her, particularly on this surface, and with the impact her new coach is making, it will be surprising if she bottles this one against Minnen.
Prediction: Osaka in 2
Jordan:
Osaka will try to recapture her form from the National Bank Open in Montreal, where she was outstanding until the last two sets of the final against Victoria Mboko. I doubt Minnen has the defensive skills to handle Osaka on a fast court, even if the Japanese star is not at her best.
Prediction: Osaka in 2
Ilemona:
Osaka has been steadily finding her footing again on hard courts, showing flashes of the power that once made her nearly unbeatable here. Minnen has enjoyed a strong summer, but she hasn’t faced too many opponents with Osaka’s firepower. Their contrasting levels of experience at Majors could play a big role.
Prediction: Osaka in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
