WTA U.S. Open: First-round betting angles
The year’s final major is underway as the WTA U.S. Open kicks off. Last year’s final showcased Aryna Sabalenka’s dramatic 7-5, 7-5 win over Jessica Pegula for her third major title. Sabalenka has reached two more major finals this season but is still chasing a fourth crown. This preview focuses on early-round matches with the most betting interest, starting with three tight-looking contests.
Boisson vs Golubic: Time 17:00
H2H: 0-1
Golubic and Boisson meet for only the second time; their previous encounter came in the 2021 ITF Saint-Gaudens round of 16, a straight-sets win for Golubic on clay. This time they meet on hard courts, a surface Golubic has a strong track record on (166-112). Boisson is newer on the scene, 11-11 as a pro since 2018. Golubic has been competing in New York since 2013.
Best Bet to Make
Golubic is the clear favorite in most books, a view I share. She’s coming off a finals appearance at WTA Warsaw 2, followed by a quarterfinal at WTA Cleveland, indicating solid preparation for the Open. Expect Golubic to advance in straight sets.
Value bet/the best odds
Golubic to win at 1.70 (1xBet)
Krueger vs Kenin: Time 17:00
H2H: 1-1
Ashlyn Krueger and Sofia Kenin are meeting for the third time. Kenin took their hard-court meeting earlier this year in Doha (first round), while Krueger won on clay at Lleida in 2024 in a three-set battle that featured a pair of tiebreaks. Both players have shown form fluctuations: Krueger has won three of her past ten, while Kenin is 4-6 over her last ten.
Best Bet to Make
Kenin is listed as the favorite by the books, but the matchup feels close enough to call a coin-flip. Krueger has shown potential, and her recent form on hard courts could tilt the match in her favor. Given the volatility, Krueger could present the better value.
Value bet/the best odds
Krueger to win at 2.29 (Pinnacle)
Haddad Maia vs Kartal: Time 17:00
H2H: 0-1
Sonay Kartal faced Haddad Maia earlier this year at Indian Wells and dispatched her in straight sets, with Haddad Maia managing only three total games. Both players haven’t been at their best lately, though Kartal has been solid on hard courts overall, while Haddad Maia’s 2025 hard-court record has been rough (2-12) despite her stronger career hard-court stats (222-122).
Best Bet to Make
Kartal is the favorite in most betting markets, consistent with Haddad Maia’s struggles on hard courts this season. Yet Haddad Maia remains a high-quality hard-court player, and if she brings her best level, she’s capable of causing the upset.
Value bet/the best odds
Haddad Maia to win at 2.21 (1xBet)
Final note
This opening round should deliver competitive tennis with several potential upset opportunities, especially as players adjust to the New York hard courts and the unique atmosphere of a major. While bets add excitement, the matches themselves offer plenty of drama and the chance for breakout performances early in the tournament.
Summary
Early WTA U.S. Open action features three intriguing matches with distinct dynamics: Golubic vs Boisson on a challenging hard-court path for Boisson; a tight Krueger vs Kenin duel with multiple possible outcomes; and Haddad Maia vs Kartal, where kartal holds a slight edge but Haddad Maia can turn around recent form on big stages. If you’re eyeing value bets, the provided odds give some appealing opportunities in these first-round showdowns.
Positive note
The Open always brings surprising results, and this year’s mix of veteran experience and rising talent suggests several memorable matches ahead. Fans can look forward to high-quality tennis and potential breakthrough performances early in the tournament.