Karolina Pliskova in the first round-robin match at the 2019 WTA Finals in Shenzhen, China | (Photo by NOEL CELIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Tennis | US Open 2021 | Three to see on Day 4

Tony Fairbairn

Tennis

September 2, 2021

Karolina Pliskova [4] v Amanda Anisimova
Kei Nishikori v Mackenzie McDonald
Maria Sakkari [17] v Katerina Siniakova

NEW YORK, USA – Two former US Open finalists headline the action on day four of the final grand slam of the season.

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Karolina Pliskova [4] v Amanda Anisimova H2H & Match Fundamentals

Karolina Pliskova [4] v Amanda Anisimova	H2H: Pliskova leads 3-0
US Open	New York, USA
Hard (O)	Prize Money: $115,000
TBC	Amazon Prime Video <– Sign up for trial

After a troublesome start to the season, Karolina Pliskova has been on a hot streak having reached the Wimbledon final and the final in Toronto. The Czech has found her confidence again and showed that in a challenging opening round against a promising US youngster in Caty McNally. Can Pliskova repeat her success of 2016 and reach a third grand slam final in New York.

First Pliskova will have to overcome another American youngster in Amanda Anisimova who just turned 20. Anisimova hasn’t really been able to back up her Roland Garros semi-final in 2019 but with so much personal turmoil the American has had to reset her career. The American will hope that she can now develop her promising potential into consistent results as she will look for a career best result at her home slam.

This match-up suits Pliskova as was the case in their last meeting in Montreal but the American’s recent rejuvenated form will give Pliskova a few questions to answer heading into the third round.

Prediction: Pliskova in three sets.

Kei Nishikori v Mackenzie McDonald H2H & Match Fundamentals

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Kei Nishikori v Mackenzie McDonald	H2H: McDonald leads 1-0
US Open	New York, USA
Hard (O)	Prize Money: $115,000
TBC	Amazon Prime Video <– Sign up for trial

From one former finalist to another former finalist and Kei Nishikori with the Japanese star finding some of the best consistent form of his career. A good clay court season was followed by good runs at the Olympics and in Washington. Nishikori’s ability to turn defence into attack with ease and unique aggression sees him as a threat to anybody at a grand slam. The question is can Nishikori finish matches off easily enough in order to preserve his energy for later rounds?

Standing in Nishikori’s way is Mackenzie McDonald who recently came back from hamstring surgery to find some of the best form of his career. A final in Washington beating Nishikori along the way showed why so many people were raving about his potential in the early parts of his career. A win over David Goffin in the opening round has only backed up the talk that he will be a top 30 player in no time.

Two players who play similar game styles is going to cause a marathon of a match and expect shots with incredible angles as well as long rallies. Nishikori’s experience in best of five set matches will see him over the finishing line but not without a few bumps along the way.

Prediction: Nishikori in five sets.

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Maria Sakkari [17] v Katerina Siniakova H2H & Match Fundamentals

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Maria Sakkari [17] v Katerina Siniakova	H2H: Siniakova leads 2-1
US Open	New York, USA
Hard (O)	Prize Money: $115,000
TBC	Amazon Prime Video <– Sign up for trial

Maria Sakkari has had another consistent season with a deep run in Miami starting off another great season which included a first grand slam semi-final. The Greek now has her eyes sight on a grand slam title and that quest began in impressive fashion with a great win over a tough opponent in Marta Kostyuk.

Next for Sakkari is Katerina Siniakova who is always a tough opponent for any player. The Czech’s aggressive baseline game mixed with impressive net skills makes her an awkward opponent for any player. Siniakova’s first round win over Anastasija Sevastova just shows the level of consistency she is able to produce even against the trickiest of opponents.

This match will be a classic, physical battle with both players really consistent on serve and able to grind out the opponents by any means necessary. Although Siniakova has had the better of this match-up, Sakkari has looked really comfortable with her game lately and should edge into the third round.

Prediction: Sakkari in three sets.