The second day of the US Open’s opening round features a full slate of 26 women’s matches. While the tournament’s schedule is split across several preview articles, three analysts—Nurein Ahmed, Manuel Traquete and Ilemona Onekutu—have shared their expectations for a selection of the contests. Their commentary covers four specific matchups: Ann Li versus Antonia Ruzic, Maya Joint against Liudmila Samsonova, Nadia Podoroska versus Simona Waltert, and the headline clash between Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova and American qualifier Katie Volynets.
Key Matchups and Expert Predictions
In the opening encounter, American Ann Li meets Croatian Antonia Ruzic. All three analysts agree that Li holds the advantage. Nurein Ahmed notes that Ruzic’s recent form has been weak, describing her second half of the season as “poor” and suggesting that Li’s movement and defensive skills should neutralise Ruzic’s power. Manuel Traquete echoes this view, calling Li the “more consistent player” and pointing to Ruzic’s losing streak as a factor that will not impede Li’s progress. Ilemona Onekutu adds that Li’s recent semifinal appearance in Monterrey signals a high level of play, while Ruzic has yet to find footing on hard courts in 2026. Each analyst predicts a straight‑sets victory for Li, with Ahmed and Traquete specifically forecasting a 2‑0 result and Onekutu also anticipating a 2‑0 win.
The second highlighted duel pits rising American Maya Joint against Russian power‑hitter Liudmila Samsonova. Ahmed references Joint’s “eye‑catching win” in her last Grand Slam main‑draw appearance but doubts a repeat, emphasizing Samsonova’s “massive power” when she is at her best. Traquete leans on head‑to‑head history, noting that Samsonova has won both previous meetings, including a recent Canadian match earlier this month, and labels her the “clearer and more solid” competitor. Onekutu points out that Joint has maintained a top‑80 ranking this season and is comfortable on hard courts, yet Samsonova’s superior weapons and past success at the US Open make her the favourite. The predictions vary slightly: Ahmed and Traquete expect a 2‑0 win for Samsonova, while Onekutu foresees a 3‑0 result, underscoring the expected dominance of Samsonova’s firepower.
In the third contest, Argentine clay‑court specialist Nadia Podoroska faces Swiss top‑100 regular Simona Waltert. Ahmed highlights Podoroska’s experience but notes her lack of a main‑draw US Open win and a decline in physical threat, concluding that Waltert should prevail. Traquete observes a ranking gap that “doesn’t even close to accurately capture the quality gap,” yet still gives Waltert a “slight edge,” anticipating a close match. Onekutu emphasizes Podoroska’s recent ranking drop and her time on the ITF circuit, contrasting it with Waltert’s consistent hard‑court game. All three analysts predict a win for Waltert, with Ahmed and Traquete each projecting a 3‑0 victory and Onekutu a tighter 2‑0 outcome.
Noskova vs Volynets: A Closer Look at the Featured Match
The marquee first‑round encounter pits fresh Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova against American qualifier Katie Volynets. Each analyst provides a distinct rationale for backing Noskova.
Ahmed remarks that Noskova has spoken openly about the career‑changing potential of a Grand Slam win, and while she has not ignited the tour since her Wimbledon triumph, there remains an “aura” about her current form. He also highlights Volynets as a “grinder” whose game will test the reigning Wimbledon champion, but asserts that Noskova’s flat ball‑striking will punish any short balls, leading to a prediction of a straight‑sets victory for Noskova.
Traquete focuses on Noskova’s post‑Wimbledon performance, acknowledging that she “hasn’t played great” since the title but expressing confidence that she will elevate her level at a Slam and avoid significant difficulties in this opening match. He also predicts a 2‑0 win for Noskova.
Onekutu underscores Noskova’s in‑form status, describing her as “one of the most in‑form players on tour” after her Wimbledon success. She notes Volynets’ speed and ability to create discomfort, yet points out Volynets’ struggles against top‑level opposition. Onekutu concludes that Noskova’s confidence should carry her through, again forecasting a straight‑sets victory for the Czech.
Collectively, the three analysts converge on a unanimous prediction: Noskova to defeat Volynets in two sets, leveraging her recent major‑title momentum and aggressive flat hitting against Volynets’ defensive style.
Beyond these four matchups, the day’s schedule also includes high‑profile first‑round battles such as Aryna Sabalenka versus Camila Osorio, Naomi Osaka against Anastasia Zakharova, Amanda Anisimova versus Ashlyn Krueger, Iga Swiatek versus Xiyu Wang, Karolina Muchova against Sinja Kraus, and Maja Chwalinska versus Taylor Townsend. While the provided analysis does not extend to those contests, the broader context underscores the depth of talent on display across the opening day of the tournament.
Overall, the consensus among the three experts suggests a day dominated by higher‑ranked or more in‑form players, with the notable exception of potential upsets that could arise from the hard‑court dynamics of Flushing Meadows. As the US Open progresses, early‑round outcomes will shape the narrative for the remainder of the fortnight, and the predictions outlined here offer a snapshot of the expectations held by seasoned observers.
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