With 18 matches on the slate on day one on the US Open, it ought to be an entertaining begin to the 2026 US Open. As at all times, we right here at LWOT can be providing our predictions for each match, together with Zhang Shuai vs Leylah Fernandez, Jessica Pegula vs Elena-Gabriela Ruse, Emma Navarro vs Lois Boisson, and Kamila Rakhimova vs Barbora Krejcikova. However who will advance?
US Open Day 1 Predictions
Venus Williams vs Sofia Kenin
Ilemona: Two American main champions meet for the very first time, each arriving in New York on wildcards. Venus Williams is 0-11 in 2026 and hasn’t gained a match at this match since 2019, whereas Sofia Kenin has at the very least picked up just a few wins lately together with a victory in Cincinnati. Given the hole in match health and age, Kenin ought to come via.
Prediction: Kenin in 2
Nurein: Venus Williams continues to be one of many largest names within the draw, however at 46, she’s effectively previous her peak and a few observers have questioned if she is deserving of a wild card. Kenin has struggled this season, however this ought to be draw to bounce again towards a participant who’s winless this season.
Prediction: Kenin in 2
Jim: Williams continues to be a giant draw for the gang, however it has been a while since she has been a aggressive presence on the tour. Her energy may win her some low cost factors, notably behind her serve, however Kenin ought to win this fairly comfortably.
Prediction: Kenin in 3
Jasmine Paolini vs Veronika Erjavec
Ilemona: Jasmine Paolini missed the North American hardcourt swing with a nagging left foot challenge, so she may be a bit rusty towards a participant who has been competing usually. The Italian has way more Grand Slam expertise and reached the Wimbledon quarterfinals this 12 months, however Veronika Erjavec will look to make the most of any lingering bodily issues. If Jasmine’s motion holds up, her expertise ought to carry her via.
Prediction: Paolini in 2
Nurein: Paolini didn’t play any warm-up occasions forward of the US Open. The foot harm is a persistent challenge. That stated, if the Italian is match to play, she has way more expertise dealing with Grand Slam stress and avoiding an upset.
Prediction: Paolini in 2
Jim: Paolini may be barely in need of kind, and her foot challenge can be extra of a problem for her than a few of the tour’s larger hitters, however she ought to nonetheless have sufficient in her sport to get previous Erjavec.
Prediction: Paolini in 3
Emiliano Arango vs Wang Xinyu
Ilemona: Wang Xinyu has crushed Emiliano Arango in each of their earlier conferences and has the upper rating and extra constant hard-court outcomes this season. Arango did upset Venus Williams in Cincinnati, if that may be referred to as an upset at this stage of the nice American’s profession, however Wang’s strong baseline sport has confirmed an excessive amount of for her prior to now. The Chinese language participant ought to prolong her head-to-head lead right here.
Prediction: Wang in 2
Nurein: This can be an fascinating match on day one on the US Open, albeit one which Wang will begin as the large favorite. Arango will little question work arduous to maintain it aggressive, however the Chinese language’s heavy hitting ought to be the distinction maker.
Prediction: Wang in 2
Jim: Wang has rightly been accounted the favorite coming into this match and it will be a reasonably main shock to see her knocked out by Arango. The Colombian is a tough employee and won’t give a lot away, however she doesn’t actually have any hard-court pedigree to talk of. Wang ought to advance comfortably sufficient.
Prediction: Wang in 2
Major photograph credit score: Syndication: Desert Solar/USAToday Pictures
