By Tony Fairbairn
- Venus Williams [WC] v Sofia Kenin [WC]
- Jiri Lehecka [18] v Pablo Carreno Busta
- Jessica Pegula [3] v Elena Gabriela Ruse
NEW YORK, USA – Venus Williams will hope to end her recent losing streak when she takes on Sofia Kenin in the opening round of the US Open.
Venus Williams [WC] v Sofia Kenin [WC] H2H & Match Fundamentals
It’s been over 12 months since Venus Williams’ last win on the WTA tour. The 46 year-old Grand Slam legend is still going strong with mixed results from the general public. Although Williams is determined to keep going, the American is on a 14 match losing streak which must be disheartening for Williams who is a true competitor. Now, Williams will be feeling the pressure to get a win on the board and there is no better place to do it then at the US Open on home soil in New York City.
Another former Grand Slam champion who is on a losing run is Sofia Kenin and that’s who Williams faces in the opening round at the US Open. The former Australian Open champion hasn’t won back-to-back matches for almost a year as she has struggled for form and fitness. However, the American will be boosted by the fact that she pushed the in-form Marta Kostyuk to three sets in Cincinnati. Now, Kenin will aim to use that performance as momentum as she looks for a win in New York to give herself some confidence.
Williams needs to produce some big serving as she looks to take the forehand early and force errors from Kenin’s game. Meanwhile, Kenin will look to take the return early and use the backhand to create angles on the court and test Williams’ movement. This will be a tough match for Williams and as much as she will be a fan favourite, there should only be one winner in this contest.
Prediction: Kenin in straight sets.
Jiri Lehecka [18] v Pablo Carreno Busta H2H & Match Fundamentals
Jiri Lehecka is one of the most talented players on the ATP tour which was backed up when he reached his first ever Masters 1000 final in Miami in March. Since then, there have been some good results for Lehecka which have included a fourth round result at Wimbledon. However, Lehecka will be demanding more consistency from himself given his talent and tactical quality. The 18th seed now gets the chance to prove that at the US Open after losing to eventual champion Arthur Fils in Cincinnati.
The next challenge for Lehecka is former US Open quarter-finalist Pablo Carreno Busta. The Spaniard is 35 years of age but has still proven he is a threat on his day and has produced some good performances recently. However, a retirement in Winston-Salem a week before the US Open is a big setback for the Spaniard who has produced some big wins at the US Open in the past. Now, Carreno Busta will aim to relive those memories and cause another big upset at a Grand Slam.
Lehecka will look to serve aggressively and will approach the net to finish points efficiently especially when Carreno Busta is deep behind the baseline. Meanwhile, Carreno Busta will be aggressive on the second serve return and will use the forehand to find winners in the longer rallies. This will be a competitive contest with both players having great firepower but the variety of Lehecka may just prevail here.
Prediction: Lehecka in four sets.
Jessica Pegula [3] v Elena Gabriela Ruse H2H & Match Fundamentals
Jessica Pegula has hit form in the right time. The American produced some stunning tennis in Cincinnati to reach the final in Ohio before losing to compatriot Coco Gauff. It was an incredible week for Pegula who will be full of confidence heading into the US Open. The third seed will believe that this is the tournament she can finally fulfil her prophecy and win a first Grand Slam title in New York. The question is can Pegula hold her nerve when it matters most to take advantage of her form?
The first challenge for Pegula is Elena Gabriela Ruse who has had a decent year and has the game to cause any player trouble. However, a retirement in Cincinnati would have stopped Ruse in her tracks and the Romanian will be hoping she can bounce back from that blow relatively quickly. Ruse will fancy her chances of being dominant at the net but can she match Pegula’s quality from the baseline?
Pegula will be aggressive on the first serve and will use the backhand to open up the court against Ruse. Meanwhile the Romanian will approach the net to finish points off while being proactive on the second serve return. This will be a good opening test for Pegula but the American should have too much quality for Ruse.
Prediction: Pegula in straight sets.
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