US Open Day 2 Women’s Predictions Including Madison Keys vs Renata Zarazua

Day 2 of the US Open will see 24 women’s first-round matches. Who will advance to Round 2 and who will be sent home early? As always, our writer share their thoughts on all of the matches. We split the 24 matches between six articles. The other articles feature Venus Williams vs Karolina Muchova, Elina Svitolina vs Anna Bondar, Mirra Andreeva vs Alycia Parks, Petra Kvitova vs Diane Parry, and Victoria Mboko vs Barbora Krejcikova. Predicting these matches are Jim Smith, Damian Kust, and Jordan Reynolds. Who do you think will advance?

US Open Day 2 Women’s Predictions

Leolia Jeanjean vs Priscilla Hon

Jim:
There doesn’t look to be a huge amount in this on paper. Leolia Jeanjean is probably the more naturally talented, but Patricia Hon has the edge in terms of experience. Hon did look sharp coming through the qualifying, but has otherwise been in indifferent form over the summer. Jeanjean should have the edge.
Prediction: Jeanjean in 3

Damian:
Hon qualified a bit out of nowhere, but produced three strong performances to make it without dropping a set. The Australian was much more unlucky with her US Open draw last year, running into Sabalenka in the opening round. Now it seems like she might find a way to win against Jeanjean, who doesn’t have much more in her game but ability to mix it up.
Prediction: Hon in 3

Jordan:
Hon was very impressive in qualifying, not dropping a set. That form gives her a good chance against Jeanjean, one of the best players to draw in the opening round. Hon’s accurate ball-striking is backed to take her to victory.
Prediction: Hon in 2

Katie Volynets vs Zeynep Sonmez

Jim:
Katie Volynets was perhaps unlikely not to be awarded a wildcard, but made light of that misfortune by coming through the qualifying – dropping just one set in the process. With the New York crowd behind her, Volynets should be able to maintain her winning run against Zeynep Sonmez.
Prediction: Volynets in 3

Damian:
Qualifying draw was a bit of a battle for Volynets, but now she gets a matchup that looks very even on paper. Sonmez doesn’t have the weapons to blow her off the court and while the Turk’s ranking is still quite high with the Merida title, she hasn’t shown enough quality to become a mainstay on the WTA Tour this year.
Prediction: Volynets in 3

Jordan:
Expect plenty of grueling rallies in this matchup. Sonmez possesses slightly more firepower than her opponent, but it is not overwhelming. Volynets possesses one of the best attitudes in the game, and that might get her over the line in what could be a tight match.
Prediction: Volynets in 3

Yulia Putintseva vs Elisabetta Cocciaretto

Jim:
This is a match that Yulia Putintseva probably should win given her considerable talent, but her recent form suggests that she won’t. It has been a miserable summer for the Kazakh and whilst Elisabetta Cocciaretto hasn’t exactly been pulling up trees herself, she has at least been winning some matches.
Prediction: Cocciaretto in 3

Damian:
Putintseva started the season well, but the last few months she’s struggling to get anything going and might be about to fall into some ranking trouble. She’s obviously got a higher ceiling than Cocciaretto and it’s tempting to just go for that. I will, but something is stopping the Kazakh from performing her best right now and I’m not really sure what that is.
Prediction: Putintseva in 3

Jordan:
Putintseva will attempt to turn around her faltering season with a deep run at the US Open. Unfortunately for her, Cocciaretto thrives most against opponents who afford time on her shots. That makes the Italian the favorite.
Prediction: Cocciaretto in 2

Madison Keys vs Renata Zarazua

Jim:
Madison Keys isn’t necessarily the most consistent performer on the WTA Tour, but the American demonstrated her staying power by winning the Australian Open earlier this year and has looked a different, freer player since. That’s not to say she couldn’t lose this match, only to say it would be a significant surprise if she were to fall short against Renata Zarazua.
Prediction: Keys in 3

Damian:
Keys hasn’t come close to grabbing another title since winning the Australian Open, but she’s kept herself relevant and feels like she’s in the mix for another run during the US Open as well. Zarazua’s game doesn’t offer much more than consistency and the American should have a relatively free hand at powering through the court here.
Prediction: Keys in 2

Jordan:
Keys should have no problems here. Zarazua grinds out most of her wins with resilience and defensive skills, but the American’s hitting is more than good enough to handle that in front of her home fans.
Prediction: Keys in 2