US Open Day 4 Predictions Including Paolini vs Jovic

The Billie Jean King National Tennis Center will play host to 16 second-round matches on day four at the US Open and, as ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match. That includes Aryna Sabalenka vs Polina Kudermetova, Jessica Pegula vs Anna Blinkova, and Mirra Andreeva vs Anastasia Potapova. But who will reach the third round at the US Open?

US Open Day 4 Predictions

Jasmine Paolini vs Iva Jovic

Jordan: This is a dangerous second-round match for Jasmine Paolini. However, the Italian’s very high level in Cincinnati and the opening round in New York provide significant encouragement. Iva Jovic has a great future in tennis, but winning this match will probably prove too challenging.

Prediction: Paolini in 2

Ilemona: Paolini has carried her momentum well into New York, striking the ball with confidence and using her footspeed to full effect. Jovic is still very new at this level, and while her talent is clear, keeping up over the long rallies Paolini thrives on will be difficult.

Prediction: Paolini in 2

Yesh: This is a real chance for Iva Jovic to show that her huge game can impress at the highest levels. Paolini might be too good to hit through, but this will be close in front of a raucous crowd.

Prediction: Paolini in 3
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Leylah Fernandez vs Elsa Jacquemot

Jordan: Elsa Jacquemot played very well in attack to overcome the defensively solid Marie Bouzkova in the opening round. Leylah Fernandez steps into the court more than Bouzkova and wants to dictate the rallies. That style is a tougher matchup for Jacquemot.

Prediction: Fernandez in 2

Ilemona: Fernandez looked sharp in her opener and tends to play her best tennis under the lights of big stages. Jacquemot battled hard through the first round but hasn’t shown the same consistency on hard courts. The Canadian’s intensity could be hard to match.

Prediction: Fernandez in 2

Yesh: Leylah Fernandez has been so on-and-off recently that it’s hard to predict her matches. Her best comes out more often than in prior years, but it’s still not every match. I don’t know how far that will take her here, but it should get her past Jacquemot.

Prediction: Fernandez in 2

Liudmila Samsonova vs Priscilla Hon

Jordan: I am predicting an upset here. Priscilla Hon has not dropped a set since qualifying, and possesses the gritty style that Liudmila Samsonova often struggles against. The 17^th seed’s serve will be crucial in deciding the match’s outcome.

Prediction: Hon in 3

Ilemona: Samsonova’s first-round win showed off the serving power and baseline hitting that usually makes her dangerous in fast conditions but it didn’t come without the usual drama, after she dropped the first set to Yue Yuan. Hon worked hard to reach this stage, backing up her qualifying run with a straight set victory in the first round but she doesn’t bring the same weapons. A lot will depend on whether she can blunt that early firepower.

Prediction: Hon in 3

Yesh: Both of these players looked pretty good in their opening matches, but Samsonova has a higher potential and likes these courts better.

Prediction: Samsonova in 3
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Emma Navarro vs Caty McNally

Jordan: Caty McNally will try to throw Emma Navarro off-rhythm with variety and approaches to the net. The higher-ranked American’s indifferent 2025 means an upset is not out of the question, but I trust her more complete game enough to give her the edge.

Prediction: Navarro in 3

Ilemona: Navarro had a subpar summer campaign, managing just one win across four events, but her first-round showing was a step in the right direction. McNally brings a contrasting style with her quick hands at net and ability to rush opponents. If Navarro can carry over the composure she showed in her opener, this could be a chance to reset her hard-court swing.

Prediction: Navarro in 2

Yesh: Caty McNally could be a huge star if she’s healthy. Navarro reached the semifinals last year, but she has not looked anywhere near her best over the last month. Still, I’m not confident enough to expect the upset, but it definitely wouldn’t surprise me.

Prediction: Navarro in 3

Main photo credit: Cara Owsley/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK