US Open Day 5 Women’s Predictions: Aryna Sabalenka vs. Ekaterina Alexandrova
The third round kicks off on Friday, marking Day 5 of the 2024 US Open. Eight thrilling matches are set to determine which eight women will advance to the second week. Our team of writers has analyzed all the matchups, splitting the predictions between this article and a follow-up featuring Coco Gauff vs. Elina Svitolina. Predictors for this round include Jordan Reynolds, Glenys Furness, and Ilemona Onekutu. Who do you think will emerge victorious?
US Open Day 5 Women’s Predictions
Madison Keys vs. Elise Mertens
Jordan:
Mertens is skilled at varying shot pace, which can challenge Keys. However, I doubt the Belgian will consistently hold serve enough to pull off an upset. She will need a high first serve percentage to have a chance.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Glenys:
Madison Keys has cruised into the third round, playing well after recovering from an injury that forced her to withdraw from the Canadian Open. She has dominated the second sets of her prior matches. Mertens’ last match built good momentum for this matchup, but home support should help Keys prevail.
Prediction: Keys in 3
Ilemona:
Elise Mertens achieved her first victory against Keys in their Cincinnati encounter last year. Despite being the favorite then, Keys’ current form and motivation from that loss should propel her forward.
Prediction: Keys in 3
Paula Badosa vs. Elena-Gabriela Ruse
Jordan:
Ruse stunned Barbora Krejcikova in the last round, but her playing style may not be favorable against Badosa. The Spaniard excels at handling heavy topspin forehands, which is Ruse’s main weapon.
Prediction: Badosa in 2
Glenys:
Badosa reached the third round effortlessly, winning both matches in straight sets. Although Ruse has played many matches, including a significant upset over the eighth seed, she may suffer from “seed bounce” in this encounter. This match is tricky to call, but Ruse could surprise again.
Prediction: Ruse in 3
Ilemona:
Elena-Gabriela Ruse has proven her upset potential by defeating the reigning Wimbledon champion in the second round. She previously beat Badosa in Dubai as an underdog. Her self-belief combined with her skill gives her a solid chance for another upset.
Prediction: Ruse in 3
Donna Vekic vs. Peyton Stearns
Jordan:
Vekic is having a standout season, but I’m predicting an upset here. Stearns strikes a good balance between defense and offense, and she recently triumphed over Daria Kasatkina.
Prediction: Stearns in 3
Glenys:
As the seeded player, Vekic has yet to lose a set. Although she took time to find her rhythm in her last match, she ended up dominating the second set. Stearns has also won her matches in straight sets but struggled to close out the second. While the home crowd may support Stearns, I believe Vekic will come out on top.
Prediction: Vekic in 2
Ilemona:
Peyton Stearns has followed up her strong Cleveland performance with a couple of straight-set wins at the Open. Vekic has been efficient, and if this match goes the distance, I expect her to have the endurance to secure the victory.
Prediction: Vekic in 3
Aryna Sabalenka vs. Ekaterina Alexandrova
Jordan:
For Alexandrova to compete with Sabalenka, she must significantly improve her performance from the last round against Iva Jovic, where she needed seven match points to narrowly advance. Her powerful hitting style doesn’t match Sabalenka’s, so the Belarusian should win comfortably.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Glenys:
Aryna Sabalenka has advanced in straight sets so far at this year’s final Grand Slam, bolstered by her recent title in Cincinnati. In contrast, Alexandrova has had to fight through three-set matches to reach this stage. Although her semifinal run in Monterrey before the Open was impressive, the toll of those long matches could affect her.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Ilemona:
All six previous matches between these players have concluded in straight sets. While Alexandrova has shown resilience in her first two rounds, needing three sets each time, that level won’t likely challenge Sabalenka.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Source: https://lastwordonsports.com/tennis/2024/08/29/us-open-day-5-womens-predictions-sabalenka-alexandrova/