Three matches to preview from the US Open today, and there's a good mix of a lopsided favorite, a proper rivalry checkup, and a genuinely interesting all-youth matchup to close things out. Let's get into it.
WTA US Open Predictions
Marta Kostyuk vs Linda Noskova
Head-to-head: Kostyuk 0-2 Noskova
Noskova leads their H2H 2-0, and both of those wins came on hard courts, so the surface offers Kostyuk no comfort there. Noskova's big ball-striking can make her incredibly hard to handle when she's on, and at a Slam on a big stage she tends to rise to it. That said, Kostyuk is one of the toughest competitors on tour and she's been playing some of her best tennis in 2024 and a three-set match against someone who can go cold feels very much in play.
I think the deficit in their head-to-head is a little misleading. Kostyuk is the better player she's become over this season, and I'd back her to flip the script this time around.
Prediction: Kostyuk in 3
Jessica Pegula vs Sorana Cirstea
Head-to-head: Pegula 4-1 Cirstea
Pegula has been so good at not letting Cirstea's flat, aggressive ball take her out of her rhythm, and a 4-1 H2H record, which includes wins on multiple surfaces, tells the whole story. Cirstea can be dangerous when everything is clicking, but Pegula's consistency from the baseline and her composure in tight moments make her a bad matchup for a player who relies on taking pace early. Hard to see this being competitive at all.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Iva Jovic vs Alexandra Eala
Head-to-head: Jovic 2-0 Eala
This is the kind of match that's easy to overlook but really shouldn't be. Two young players with real futures on tour, and Jovic has had Eala's number both times they've met. Eala has been one of the stories of the year though, and her ball-striking on hard courts is legitimately special for someone her age. To make things worse for Jovic, Eala will have nothing to lose out there, and that kind of freedom can be a problem.
That said, Jovic's 2-0 record and her own game that's built for hard courts should be enough to get through here, all things considered.
Prediction: Jovic in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Rob Prange/AFP7 via ZUMA Press Wire