US Open Day 3 is set to close out the first round of the women’s singles, with 20 matches still to be played. Our LastWordOnTennis team weighs in on four notable battles, with predictions from Tope Oke, Jordan Reynolds, and Ilemona Onekutu.
Sorana Cirstea vs Solana Sierra
Tope: Cirstea has charged into a seven-match winning streak since Her Cincinnati run, punctuated by a title in Cleveland as a qualifier without dropping a set. That form makes her hard to overlook here.
Prediction: Cirstea in 2 sets
Jordan: While her Cleveland title run was impressive, Cirstea’s career has featured inconsistency. That success gives Sierra a real chance to push this one to three.
Prediction: Sierra in 3
Ilemona: Cirstea’s hard-court resume in North America stands out, and Sierra is relatively untested on this stage. If Cirstea brings her baseline aggression, experience could tip the balance.
Prediction: Cirstea in 2
Diana Shnaider vs Laura Siegemund
Tope: Shnaider rode a Monterrey title triumph after a Cincinnati setback, but Siegemund remains a crafty test on a big stage. It’s a tricky matchup, and Siegemund could edge it.
Prediction: Siegemund in 3
Jordan: Shnaider can’t afford to underestimate Siegemund, who has had standout runs and is dangerous with variety. Shnaider should have the tools to win, but this could go the distance.
Prediction: Shnaider in 3
Ilemona: Shnaider’s aggressive left-handed game translates well to the hard courts, and she arrives with momentum. Siegemund is crafty and historically suited to slower surfaces, which could complicate matters, but Shnaider’s energy might carry the day.
Prediction: Shnaider in 2
Marta Kostyuk vs Katie Boulter
Tope: Boulter took Kostyuk down in the 2024 San Diego final, and Kostyuk is hoping to build on a solid US Open-ready performance from last year. On hard courts, Boulter’s attack could give her the upper hand.
Prediction: Boulter in 3
Jordan: The clash should be competitive. Boulter’s aggressive approach on quicker courts could pose problems for Kostyuk, and she might edge it in three tight sets.
Prediction: Boulter in 3
Ilemona: Kostyuk has had a strong summer on tour and is a dangerous player on hard courts. Boulter has had a breakthrough year but hasn’t bagged a deep run lately. This one could go either way in a nerves-filled contest.
Prediction: Kostyuk in 3
Coco Gauff vs Ajla Tomljanovic
Tope: Gauff’s blend of athleticism and variety makes her a tough matchup for Tomljanovic. With home crowd energy behind her, a straight-sets win feels likely.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Jordan: Tomljanovic’s best route is to exploit gaps in Gauff’s defense, but that’s a tall order given Gauff’s weapons. The American should advance in straight sets.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Ilemona: Gauff has been steady on hard courts all season, while Tomljanovic is still shaking off timing after her comeback. If Gauff’s rhythm stays intact, expect another clean two-set win.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Overview and takeaways
– The day features a mix of tested veterans and rising stars, with hard-court form and recent title runs shaping many predictions.
– Cirstea’s North American hard-court track record and Sierra’s challenge provide a potential upset path, though the Romanian’s experience is a real edge.
– Shnaider’s Monterrey title momentum is balanced by Siegemund’s craft on big stages, making that a potentially tight contest.
– Kostyuk and Boulter should deliver a competitive clash, likely decided in a few pivotal games; the edge could tilt based on nerves in big moments.
– Gauff appears the clear favorite in her match, aided by strong form and a supportive home crowd.
A brief recap: Day 3’s quartet of matches features a blend of veteran savvy and rising talent, with each matchup offering its own narrative—momentum against resilience, aggression against variation, and home support shaping the outcomes. Expect several close sets and, potentially, a few surprises as players navigate the first-round pressure on the big stage.