By Tony Fairbairn
- Iva Jovic [14] v Alexandra Eala [17]
- Learner Tien [14] v Jakub Mensik [17]
- Amanda Anisimova [10] v Anastasia Potapova [24]
NEW YORK, USA – Iva Jovic will battle Alexandra Eala in a monumental third round contest on day seven of the US Open.
Iva Jovic [14] v Alexandra Eala [17] H2H & Match Fundamentals
The incredible rise of Iva Jovic goes on. The American has had an incredible season who is on the brink of breaking into the world’s top ten and will look to achieve the feat on home soil. It was an impressive straight sets win over Francesca Jones as Jovic continued her sensational season. The American has all the tools to succeed as she has the power on the baseline mixed with fantastic defensive skills that can turn defence into attack. Now, Jovic will aim to bring her aggressive and consistent game to Arthur Ashe Stadium as she looks for a place in the second week of the US Open.
Next up for Jovic is good friend as well as rival Alexandra Eala. The attention on Eala has reached new levels for women’s tennis with the 17th seed attracting a huge Filipino crowd wherever she goes. However, there is a reason for that as Eala has the confidence and game style to take on any opponent and has proven she is capable of beating the world’s best players. A flawless serve and incredible forehand lays the foundations for attack-minded mentality. Now, Eala will aim to continue that streak and finally get on over Jovic in her bid for the last 16.
Jovic will aim to take the forehand early and will look to be efficient on return. Meanwhile the serve will be key for Eala as she looks to set up her deadly backhand to put Jovic into uncomfortable positions in the court. This will be an entertaining blockbuster match between two in-form players. In the end Jovic’s consistency may prove too much for the streaky Eala in front of an electric Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Prediction: Jovic in three sets.
Learner Tien [14] v Jakub Mensik [17] H2H & Match Fundamentals
The year of Learner Tien continues to get stronger and stronger. The American ended the Grand Slam career of Gael Monfils to reach the third round of the US Open. It’s been an incredible year for Tien who continues to adapt and evolve his game to different opponents. The American’s Tennis IQ is on a different level at the moment and his mix of power and variety makes him a tricky opponent to face. The 14th seed will be hoping he can continue to play confident tennis in his bid for a second week result at the US Open.
Next up for Tien is Jakub Mensik who is another talented player who is full of potential. The 17th seed has produced some immaculate tennis in his career so far and has won a Masters 1000 title in his career. There is a feeling from Mensik that he can do a lot better in the Grand Slams and the potential his game has is monumental. A strong baseline game mixed with clean net skills makes Mensik a threat and now the 17th seed will aim to continue his strong progress by reaching the last 16 at the US Open.
Tien will aim to take the second serve return early and will use the backhand to open up the court. Meanwhile Mensik will be aggressive on the first serve and will use the forehand to create short balls to be aggressive on. This will be a war of attrition between two rising stars of the men’s game with Tien’s consistency proving pivotal here.
Prediction: Tien in four sets.
Amanda Anisimova [10] v Anastasia Potapova [24] H2H & Match Fundamentals
A three set scare was survived by Amanda Anisimova as she edged out Austrian rising star Lilli Tagger. The American hasn’t had the best season full of injuries and instability as she has felt the pressure from last season. However, the aggressive first serve and the accurate backhand has turned up in New York and Anisimova is now aiming to back up her run to the final from last year. Does she have the consistency to go all the way in New York?
Next up for Anisimova is big-hitting Austrian Anastasia Potapova. The 24th seed made her big breakthrough with a run to the Semi-Finals in Madrid. It’s been a great year for Potapova but the Austrian has struggled for form this season. A big serve and powerful baseline game, Potapova can be a threat on her day but lacks that consistency to really a pose a threat on the tour. Now in a bid to regain her confidence, Potapova searches for a big win to kickstart her year.
Anisimova will be aggressive on the first serve and will use the backhand to pin Potapova behind the baseline. Meanwhile, Potapova will use the forehand to move Anisimova around the court in order to create space on the court. This will be a tough assignment for Anisimova but the American should have enough firepower to get through this match.
Prediction: Anisimova in three sets.
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