By Tony Fairbairn
- Jessica Pegula [6] v Sofia Kenin
- Jannik Sinner [1] v Alex Michelsen
- Naomi Osaka v Karolina Muchova
NEW YORK, USA – Jessica Pegula will aim to back up her recent form as she takes on Sofia Kenin for American bragging rights as well as a spot in the third round of the US Open.
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Jessica Pegula [6] v Sofia Kenin H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Jessica Pegula [6] v Sofia Kenin | H2H: Kenin leads 2-1 |
| US Open 2024 | New York, USA |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $140,000 |
| Third on Louis Armstrong Stadium (20:00 BST) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
Jessica Pegula continued to show why she is one of the form players on the WTA tour right now as the sixth seed ended Shelby Rogers’ career at the US Open. On an emotional night, Pegula took care of business professionally and can now continue dreaming of Grand Slam success at the end of the fortnight. However having never made the semi-final of a Grand Slam before, Pegula will need to be mentally strong in order to achieve history in New York and establish herself as a title contender.
The first test of those qualities will be against former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin. The American knocked out former champion Emma Raducanu in comfortable fashion as Kenin will be hoping that win can boost her form in what has been an underwhelming season. Having struggled with injuries, Kenin has failed to inject some confidence in her game and will now hope that she can do that in a match that she enters as an underdog.
Pegula has served impressively well over the last couple of weeks and will look to continue doing so here as she aims to neutralize Kenin’s returning depth. Kenin will use the backhand to construct effective and efficient counter-attacks as she looks to force Pegula into erratic unforced errors. This will be an entertaining match with a lot on the line for both players with this being a crucial match for Pegula. Although the sixth seed’s head-to-head isn’t the best against Kenin, they haven’t met in three years and a lot has changed for both, Pegula should have too much quality for Kenin.
Prediction: Pegula in three sets.
Jannik Sinner [1] v Alex Michelsen H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Jannik Sinner [1] v Alex Michelsen | H2H: Sinner leads 1-0 |
| US Open 2024 | New York, USA |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $140,000 |
| First on Arthur Ashe Stadium (17:00 BST) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
After the build-up to the US Open was dominated over doping controversy, world number one Jannik Sinner responded in the most emphatic fashion possible with a convincing four set win over Mackenzie McDonald. After a nervy start, the Italian gained control of the contest as he began his US Open campaign in comfortable style. It’s easy to forget with recent off-court matters but Sinner comes into the final Grand Slam of the season in good form having won Cincinnati. Now the Italian aims to finish his impressive season with a second Grand Slam title of his career.
A stern test awaits Sinner in the second round in the form of Winston-Salem finalist Alex Michelsen. The talented 20 year-old has been in decent form over the last couple of months and there is a feeling that he still has a lot to offer. Michelsen is set to be a future top ten player having already reached the world’s top 50 and now the American will aim to capitalize on his momentum and cause the biggest upset of the tournament so far.
Sinner will use his forehand to accelerate the pace of the rallies and put Michelsen into uncomfortable defensive positions. Meanwhile Michelsen will aim to serve accurately and efficiently as he will rush Sinner’s play and finish points off at the net. Michelsen’s future looks bright but Sinner’s present looks event brighter and the Italian should have too much for the American here.
Prediction: Sinner in straight sets.
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Naomi Osaka v Karolina Muchova H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Naomi Osaka v Karolina Muchova | H2H: Tied at 1-1 |
| US Open 2024 | New York, USA |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $140,000 |
| Third on Arthur Ashe Stadium (Midnight BST) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
Naomi Osaka may be back in business after an emotional day was completed with a stunning straight sets win over Jelena Ostapenko. The two-time former champion is feeling confident after a testing last few years as Osaka is mentally refreshed and ready to become a Grand Slam contender once again. Bigger tasks await as the tournament goes on but Osaka knows this is already a big obstacle that is passed as she aims to continue her development and growth over the next few years.
An awkward second round match awaits against Karolina Muchova after the Czech Republican overcame Katie Volynets in her opening round. Muchova is back after winning her first match at Grand Slam level since reaching the semi-finals at last year’s US Open. It’s been a frustrating last year but Muchova knows that when she plays her best tennis she can be unstoppable against any opposition. The Czech Republican will hope to inflict more damage in New York this year as she has ranking points to defend.
Osaka will need to serve well as she aims to use her forehand power to take time away from Muchova. Muchova will use a mixture of slice and depth to extract errors from Osaka’s powerful baseline game. Both players are unpredictable given recent circumstances but if both are at their best than this could be one of the matches of the tournament so far.
Prediction: Osaka in three sets.
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