Schedule:
http://www.usopen.org/en_US/scores/schedule/index.html?promo=subnav
Match focus:
Nina Bratchikova vs. (2) Agnieszka Radwanska
A less than 100% Radwanska opens her US Open campaign against Nina Bratchikova. Will she be able to perform to her best? Or will she go out in a whimper like she did in New Haven? Bratchikova isn't the most talented player on tour and although she can hit a good ball, Radwanska guile and variety should be able to guide her through this match. I don't expect a lot of service winners from Radwanska with her fragile shoulder so Nina needs to go for it on the returns. Anyway, Radwanska will have too much game for the Russian to handle.
Pick: Radwanska in 2 sets
(22) Francesca Schiavone vs. Sloane Stephens
An unprepared Schiavone faces young upstart, Sloane Stephens in this tough first round match. Stephens had plenty of preparations for this major and it will be an advantage against the veteran, who came in without much match play. Besides, with the American crowd behind her, Stephens' confidence will be boosted; and we all know that Stephens has the game to take out big names. I expect the American to show the veteran the door and go far in this tournament.
Pick: Stephens in 2 sets
(8) Caroline Wozniacki vs. Irina-Camelia Begu
Wozniacki has had a horrid year and will be eager to prove that she is still a top player. However, after injuring her knee last week in New Haven, she should think about proving the doubters wrong next year. Even though she will most definitely get through Begu, she cannot go far without her biggest weapon - her movement. That said, Begu has nothing to hurt Wozniacki so I expect a 50% Caroline to win easily.
Pick: Wozniacki in 2 sets
Vania King vs. Yaroslava Shvedova
Former doubles partners clash in this intriguing first round match. Yaroslava plummeted down the rankings and Vania King had to abandon her as Yaroslava couldn't gain direct entry for the singles main draw. Now that Shvedova is back and better, she will face the dilemma of playing her best doubles partner. I have always enjoyed watching these 2 players banter on court and go on with their games with a smile. Sad that these 2 had to meet this early. Shvedova has been riding on a wave of confidence for the past 2 months so she should come through here. On a sidenote, I hope these 2 consider pairing up again as their chemistry as a doubles partner is unrivalled.
Pick: Shvedova in 3 sets
(30) Jelena Jankovic vs. Kateryna Bondarenko
Is Jelena Jankovic really out of her slump? Jankovic surprised everyone and maybe herself by reaching the finals of Dallas last week. However, her form is still suspect despite the good showing as she seemed so uninterested at times. Bondarenko had prior success in US Open 3 years ago so she should be a good gauge if Jelena's back. Jankovic's draw is painfully easy if she gets past Bondarenko; so let's hope the victor of this match grab this opportunity to go far in this tournament.
Pick: Jankovic in 3 sets
Sure win bets: Venus Williams, Serena Williams, Angelique Kerber
Upset alert: Monica Niculescu, Silvia Soler-Espinosa, Shahar Peer
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