Day four at the US Open brings a fresh slate of second-round action, with several eye-catching matchups on the schedule. Here’s a written preview assembled from multiple pundit viewpoints for some of the key women’s matches in New York: Aryna Sabalenka vs Polina Kudermetova, Elise Mertens vs Lulu Sun, Ann Li vs Belinda Bencic, and Taylor Townsend vs Jelena Ostapenko.
Sabalenka vs Kudermetova
Expectations center on Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1, who navigated her opening round with straight sets but not without a moment of pressure. The consensus is that Sabalenka should lift her level against Kudermetova, who has been searching for rhythm after a bumpy stretch. Most predictions point to Sabalenka advancing in straight sets, though Kudermetova could squeeze a set if she settles into her baseline patterns and finds her timing. Overall: Sabalenka in 2.
Mertens vs Sun
Elise Mertens, with years of hard-court consistency behind her, opens as the favorite against Lulu Sun. Sun brings aggressive, cross-court forehand threats and a fearless approach, which could test Mertens’ steadiness early. Still, the seasoned Belgian’s backhand and experience on this surface are expected to carry her through. The panel’s bets skew toward Mertens in two, though a longer, closer affair isn’t out of the question. Predicted: Mertens in 2 or 3, with a slight edge to 2.
Li vs Bencic
A clear standout in terms of pedigree and form is Belinda Bencic, who has returned from maternity leave with national-level confidence and is widely viewed as the tougher assignment for Ann Li. Li has shown strong ball-entry and return work in North American events, but Bencic’s depth, variety, and hard-court proficiency make her a favorite to advance in straight sets. All the current predictions favor Bencic in 2.
Townsend vs Ostapenko
This is a captivating contrast in styles: Taylor Townsend’s net-rushing, varied game versus Jelena Ostapenko’s explosive power. Townsend has shown flashes of genius at the net and in craftier rallies, while Ostapenko’s big-hitting could overwhelm if she finds her rhythm. The predictions here are split. Some expect Townsend to seize the moment and push Ostapenko to three sets, while others back Ostapenko to win in three as she channels her big-game form.
What to watch
– Sabalenka’s aggression and ability to erase rhythm issues from her opener will be a telling factor against Kudermetova.
– Mertens’ consistency on hard courts contrasted with Sun’s momentum and risk-taking will shape whether we get a quick straight-set win or a tougher three-set encounter.
– Bencic’s return-to-form trajectory vs Li’s confident ball-striking could define how smoothly the match unfolds.
– Townsend’s willingness to mix in net approaches against Ostapenko’s power could decide whether the upset spark appears on day four.
Summary of the day
Day four promises a blend of established top contenders and potential upsets, with Sabalenka aiming to reinforce her status, Bencic continuing her strong return, Mertens looking to extend her solid hard-court run, and Townsend challenging Ostapenko’s aggressive baseline game. Expect a mix of cleanly struck winners, tactical battles from the baseline, and at least one potential surprise in the Townsend-Ostapenko clash.
Positive angle
The lineup underscores the depth and dynamism of a US Open that continues to showcase veteran steadiness alongside rising talents, delivering entertaining rallies and hopeful storylines as the tournament progresses.