The U.S. Open had a second day which was much calmer than the first day. That’s where we’ll pick up our tennis picks. Does this have any relevance for the third day of the tournament? Higher seeds move into the second round, with a win under their belts. Will they calm down and find a steady rhythm, or will they remain nervous in the face of hungry challengers who are trying to win their most important matches of the whole year? Looking back to yesterday’s results, we had a successful day, going 3-0 with our tennis picks. We cashed with Serena Williams, Lucia Safarova and Simona Halep.
Here’s a look at what we like from Wednesday’s matchups.
Svetlana Kuznetsova vs. Caroline Wozniacki
Former world No.1 Caroline Wozniacki will square off against the 2004 U.S. Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova for the 13th time. While Kuznetsova and Wozniacki have split their 12 meetings evenly, the Russian has a slight advantage having won their last two meetings in convincing fashion. It’s a classical defense versus offense matchup. While Kuznetsova’s offensive game enabled her to win two Grand Slams, the Dane’s sublime defensive skills kept her at the top of the rankings for 67 weeks, so Wozniacki is always someone who has to be respected on the court.
Over the years, Wozniacki has played her best tennis in New York, twice ending as a U.S. Open runner-up in 2009 and 2014 and interestingly twice defeating Kuznetsova in tension filled deciding sets. While Wozniacki has the Russian’s number in the Big Apple, her form does little to convince anyone that she is going to do any harm this time around. Her game is just not at the level she needs to beat Kuznetsova, who hits a bigger ball and is having a better year. Take Kuznetsova with your tennis picks here.
Prediction: Kuznetsova in straight sets
Angelique Kerber vs. Mirjana Lucic-Baroni
The Australian Open champion Angelique Kerber enjoyed a tension-free passage into the U.S. Open second round after her opponent Polona Hercog retired midway, clearly wilting under the absorbing heat, managing just nine points. The No. 2 seed Kerber was leading 6-0, 1-0 when the unfortunate incident took place.
Back in 2014, Mirjana Lucic-Baroni was the story of the U.S. Open. She not only came through qualifying but also made the round of 16 by beating No. 26 Garbine Muguruza and World No.2 Simona Halep en route to her magical run. The courage, the fight she showed won her thousands of fans and many accolades.
Although Lucic-Baroni is ranked outside the top 50, she is a considerable threat. Kerber insisted she will not be distracted by the possible dethroning of Serena Williams as World No.1 by the end of the fortnight. That’s a good sign. Kerber has won all their previous meetings but the German will be aware that the 34-year-old Croat has nothing to lose and will start swinging from the outset. The tour veteran has the firepower and may even win a set, but to consistently find the lines over three sets against the defenses of Kerber looks a long stretch. She’s the better play for your tennis picks in this spot.
Prediction: Kerber in three sets
Andrea Petkovic vs. Belinda Bencic
Petkovic is 17-19 and Bencic is 17-15 for the season. Both the German and the new Swiss Miss have seen their rankings plummet to 44th and 26th respectively. Both are forced to spend time with the doctors. Last year, in the U.S. Open tune-up, Bencic had defeated Serena Williams, Caroline Woznaiacki, and Simona Halep. She was brimming with confidence but unfortunately everything has gone downhill since then.
Bencic battled for nearly three hours to book her spot in the second round. After a disappointing first set tiebreaker which saw her squander a 4-0 lead, she bounced back wonderfully to close the match in three sets at the third time of asking.
Both Petkovic and Bencic are great movers and play aggressive forms of tennis. Both are coming back from injury which makes it difficult to decide the winner. Still, back the Swiss to advance to the third round. Take Bencic with your tennis picks here.
Prediction: Bencic in three sets
