We've got three picks from the US Open qualifying second round today, and all three feel genuinely close on paper. Let's see who's punching their ticket to the next stage.
WTA US Open Predictions
Elvina Kalieva vs Sofia Costoulas
Head-to-head: Kalieva 1-1 Costoulas
These two have split their meetings evenly, and given how tight the ranking gap is, a third match going the distance makes a lot of sense. Kalieva is a former top American junior talent who's had a frustrating time staying healthy and consistent on tour, while Costoulas, still only 19, has been quietly building a solid hard-court game over the past year.
I feel like the youth factor tips this one slightly toward Costoulas. She's been the more active player recently and hard courts in New York tend to reward clean, flat hitting, which suits her well enough.
Prediction: Costoulas in 3
Kristina Liutova vs Lola Radivojevic
Head-to-head: First meeting
Liutova holds the ranking advantage here and has looked composed on hard courts this season, which counts for something in a qualifying environment where nerves can take over fast. Radivojevic is no pushover at 150 in the world, but the gap is real enough that Liutova should be the steadier player when it matters.
Liutova wins this, probably not without some drama in at least one set.
Prediction: Liutova in 3
Tyra Caterina Grant vs Himeno Sakatsume
Head-to-head: First meeting
Grant is ranked just five spots below Sakatsume, so this is about as level as it gets on paper. Sakatsume has been a consistent presence in qualifying rounds, often going deep into the draw before the main event, and seems to handle the grind of best-of-three matches on hard courts reasonably well. That said, Grant has the game to compete, but I think Sakatsume's experience in these high-pressure qualifying situations gives her just enough of an edge here and should still find a way to get through here, all things considered.
Prediction: Sakatsume in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
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