US Open Day 1 Women’s Predictions including Pegula vs Sherif

There should be plenty of entertaining tennis on the first day at the US Open and, as ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for all 20 matches on the slate, including Aryna Sabalenka vs Rebeka Masarova, Emma Raducanu vs Ena Shibahara, Jasmine Paolini vs Destanee Aiava, and Victoria Azarenka vs Hina Inoue. But who will reach the second round in New York?

US Open Day 1 Predictions

Jessica Pegula vs Mayar Sherif

Ilemona: Jessica Pegula comes in with a solid hard-court résumé, built on her consistency and clean baseline patterns. Maya Sherif has enjoyed some good results on clay but hasn’t transferred that success as comfortably onto faster surfaces. Unless she finds a way to disrupt the rhythm, this matchup leans one way.

Prediction: Pegula in 2

Zain: Defending finalist Jessica Pegula holds the clear edge here, with her counterpunching style well-suited to the New York courts. Expect a straight-sets win over Mayar Sherif, who lacks the weapons to trouble Pegula.

Prediction: Pegula in 2

Jordan: This is an ideal opening match for last year’s runner-up. Sherif is a clay-court specialist, who usually struggles outside the dirt. The American should win comfortably.

Prediction: Pegula in 2
Embed from Getty Images

Belinda Bencic vs Zhang Shuai

Ilemona: Belinda Bencic has been trying to work her way back into form after an up-and-down summer, but her history on hard courts is still strong. Zhang Shuai has barely been able to string wins together this year, struggling for confidence in most matches. It’s hard to see her reversing that trend here.

Prediction: Bencic in 2

Zain: Belinda Bencic thrives on US hard courts with her flat, precise hitting, which should be too much for Zhang Shuai. Zhang will compete well, but Bencic’s ability to redirect pace should carry her through.

Prediction: Bencic in 2

Jordan: Zhang is still capable of occasional brilliance on the singles court. However, those moments are too fleeting for me to back her against the Olympic Gold Medallist, who has impressed since returning from maternity close to a year ago.

Prediction: Bencic in 2

Camila Osorio vs Lulu Sun

Ilemona: Camila Osorio’s game thrives on creativity and grit, though she’s been inconsistent on hard courts. Sun has shown she can hit through opponents when she’s on, carrying momentum from solid showings earlier this season. This could be one of the more open battles of the round if both players settle quickly.

Prediction: Sun in 2

Zain: Camila Osorio’s grit and counterpunching give her the advantage over the less-experienced Yi Fan Sun. If Sun serves consistently, she could stretch the match, but Osorio’s fight should see her prevail.

Prediction: Osorio in 3

Jordan: Although Osorio prefers competing on clay, she consistently punches above her weight by playing each match with a tenacious attitude. Sun’s left-handed forehand into the Colombian’s weaker backhand gives her a matchup advantage, but do not be surprised if Osorio makes it close or even pulls off a victory.

Prediction: Sun in 3
Embed from Getty Images

Jelena Ostapenko vs Wang Xiyu

Ilemona: Jelena Ostapenko has the kind of firepower that can blow matches wide open, though her streaky play has also led to abrupt exits in the past. Wang’s lefty game and recent form make her a tricky opponent, capable of drawing errors if she extends the rallies. This one has the feel of a match that could swing sharply in either direction.

Prediction: Ostapenko in 3

Zain: Jelena Ostapenko’s explosive shot-making makes her the favorite, though her unpredictability always leaves room for drama. If she keeps her unforced errors in check, Xinyu Wang will struggle to stay close.

Prediction: Ostapenko in 3

Jordan: Ostapenko has struggled for form since the clay-court season ended. Her peak level is considerably better than Wang’s, but the Chinese player’s best chance of winning is on a hard court. Nonetheless, Ostapenko will win if she produces anything near her best.

Prediction: Ostapenko in 2

Main photo credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports