The final major of the season is here as the WTA U.S. Open gets underway. Last year’s thriller saw Aryna Sabalenka edge Jessica Pegula 7-5, 7-5 to claim her third Grand Slam title. Sabalenka has added two more major finals this year but is still chasing a fourth major crown. This preview kicks off coverage with first-round betting opportunities, highlighting three matches that look most intriguing from a wagering perspective.
Vekic vs Bouzas Maneiro: Time 17:00
H2H: 1-0 in favor of Bouzas Maneiro
– Insight: Donna Vekic and Jessica Bouzas Maneiro open our betting focus. They haven’t met since 2021, when Vekic won in straight sets at Tenerife, though Bouzas Maneiro did not win that particular clash. Bouzas Maneiro has found form recently, going 7-3 in her last ten, while Vekic sits at 4-6 over the same stretch and 12-20 for the year. Vekic has a U.S. Open quarterfinal in her history (2019), and Bouzas Maneiro reached the third round here last year.
– Best Bet to Make: Bouzas Maneiro is listed as the favorite, with odds that suggest a very close contest. The market has her within striking distance of Vekic in most listings, and Bouzas Maneiro’s late-year surge adds appeal for a value play.
– Value bet/the best odds: Bouzas Maneiro to win @ 1.79 on Betfair
– Commentary: Bouzas Maneiro’s recent momentum and the relatively tight line make this an appealing underdog spot for bettors who are looking for upside in a potentially tighter-than-expected matchup.
Baptiste vs Siniakova: Time 17:00
H2H: 0-0
– Insight: Hailey Baptiste comes into this one after a year of mixed results, while Katerina Siniakova has been in solid form—fresh off a title run at Warsaw 2 and a quarterfinal at the Livesport Prague Open. Baptiste has shown flashes but hasn’t consistently broken through, whereas Siniakova has been strategic with 27-17 overall record in 2025. Baptiste has struggled to move beyond the first round in New York, while Siniakova reached the third round in 2018.
– Best Bet to Make: Siniakova is favored by the bookmakers, reflecting her current form and experience.
– Value bet/the best odds: Siniakova to win @ 1.65 on Betway
– Commentary: Siniakova’s 2025 form and her ability to translate recent results into a strong start here make her a sensible favorite. Baptiste would need to execute cleanly and disrupt Siniakova’s rhythm to swing this one.
Boulter vs Kostyuk: Time 17:00
H2H: 1-0 in favor of Boulter (last meeting in the 2024 WTA San Diego final, where Boulter won after dropping the opener)
– Insight: Katie Boulter and Marta Kostyuk are set for a potentially dynamic hard-court duel. Kostyuk has shown promise, aiming to continue her momentum after a strong 2024 Open showing, while Boulter has been a steady, sometimes streaky, presence on the hard courts.
– Best Bet to Make: Kostyuk is listed as the favorite in this matchup, with odds reflecting market confidence in her current form.
– Value bet/the best odds: Boulter to win @ 2.75 on Bet365
– Commentary: The line carries a notable gap in favor of Kostyuk, but the price on Boulter represents a clear value option for bettors who believe Kostyuk’s late-season form isn’t as dominant as the markets imply. Kostyuk has dealt with an August injury return, which adds an extra layer of risk and potential upside for a Boulter upset bid.
Overall takeaway
– These first-round bouts highlight a mix of form-driven edges and close, tactical matchups on a hard-court surface. While Siniakova and Kostyuk are favored in their respective matches, Bouzas Maneiro’s recent surge and Boulter’s potential for an upset keep things interesting for bettors as the U.S. Open begins.
Additional value notes
– Track late-breaking odds on Betfair, Betway, and Bet365 as line shifts can offer additional opportunities, especially if weather or court conditions favor one player’s style over another.
– Consider player histories on hard courts and recent injury news as the tournament progresses to spot evolving value in the lines.
Summary
The opening rounds set the tone for the U.S. Open’s WTA draw, with three matches offering distinct betting angles: a tight matchup where Bouzas Maneiro could upset Vekic, a straightforward Siniakova pick against Baptiste, and a potentially undervalued Boulter chance against Kostyuk. Stay tuned for more deep-dive previews as the rounds unfold.