The second round of the US Open is set to continue in New York, and we at LWOT are offering our predictions for all of the matches on Day 5. As always, we share our thoughts on each match. We have Tope, Jordan, and Ilemona on hand to analyze the action.
Naomi Osaka vs Hailey Baptiste
Tope: Naomi Osaka looks like a different player now since hiring her new coach in July. She’s lost just once in eight and has been dismantling opponents with ruthless efficiency. Having defeated Baptiste twice already, it’s safe to say Osaka will be supremely confident, notching a third win even with the crowd behind her. Let the Osaka train roll on!
Prediction: Osaka in 2
Jordan: Baptiste will try to put as many balls back into play as possible and frustrate her illustrious opponent. I trust Osaka to handle that more than earlier in the season. The two-time US Open champion seems confident again, and could go far in New York.
Prediction: Osaka in 2
Ilemona: Osaka came through her opener in straight sets, looking controlled from the baseline and serving with authority. Baptiste also impressed with her aggressive play to move on. If both bring the same level, this could turn into a high-powered battle from the back of the court.
Prediction: Osaka in 2
Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Viktorija Golubic
Tope: This promises to be much tighter than rankings suggest. While Haddad Maia has struggled on hard courts this season, she still has the better numbers overall. However, Golubic is no pushover either, and she arrives with better recent form. I think her current momentum could push this into a three-set battle.
Prediction: Golubic in 3
Jordan: Both women won lengthy opening round matches. I trust Haddad Maia more to refocus for this match. The Brazilian is used to fighting through multiple long battles at the same tournament.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 2
Ilemona: Haddad Maia was steadier when it mattered most in her first match, keeping rallies under control. Golubic had to fight much harder to get through, relying on her variety to turn things around. That contrast in styles should make this one intriguing.
Prediction: Golubic in 3
Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Xinyu Wang
Tope: Wang leads their head-to-head record, with all their encounters taking place on outdoor hard courts. She emerged victorious in their most recent matchup at the Wuhan Open, where she came back from a set down to win. However, since then, the Russian has been more consistent and possesses the arsenal to forge ahead.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 2
Jordan: This is one of the hardest opening rounds to call. I am backing Wang to prevail by utilising her superior athleticism. However, that is not predicted with much confidence, and Alexandrova will try to take advantage of her superior serve on the medium-fast courts in New York.
Prediction: Wang in 3
Ilemona: Alexandrova was sharp in her opener, striking cleanly and keeping points short. Wang handled her match well too, showing the consistency that makes her dangerous on hard courts. Both can hit through the court, so expect some explosive exchanges.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 3
Magdalena Frech vs Peyton Stearns
Tope: Peyton Stearns’ win in the first round will certainly boost her confidence on hard courts following a series of early tournament exits leading up to the US Open. She will have to get past Magdalena Frech, who put up a strong performance to defeat Talia Gibson 6–2, 6–2 in the first round, to make it to the third round. The 27-year-old Pole is playing with more authority, and I’m rolling with her to silence the New York crowd.
Prediction: Frech in 3
Jordan: How effectively Stearns can dominate with her forehand will probably decide this match’s outcome. Frech’s superior backhand makes it crucial for the American to consistently bring her forehand into play. Frech is predicted to narrowly prevail.
Prediction: Frech in 3
Ilemona: Stearns came through her opener with confidence, building on the form she’s shown over the summer. Frech came through with similar ease and her ability to counterpunch makes her tricky to put away. This could turn into a grind if neither player takes early control.
Prediction: Stearns in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
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