Jelena Ostapenko’s bid for a first US Open crown remains right on track after recording a 6-4, 6-4 win over Sorana Cirstea in the second round on Thursday. It was a solid performance from Ostapenko who needed one hour and 30 minutes to produce the straight-sets victory. With the win, Ostapenko booked a place in the third round at Flushing Meadows for the first time in her career. Ostapenko has now advanced to the third round or better at all four majors in 2017.
The Latvian held her composure against Cirstea despite hitting a whopping 13 double faults. She recorded a whopping 24 winners against Cirstea and won 81 percent of her first serve points. Ostapenko will look to continue her terrific form in the round of 32 when she takes on Daria Kasatkina. For Ostapenko to grab the victory this coming Saturday, she needs to continue her solid return play and put pressure on Kasatkina’s serve. Ostapenko won 45 percent of her receiving points in the second round against Cirstea with the world no. 12 converting four of her nine break point chances.
Daria Kasatkina stormed into the third round of the 2017 US Open with a convincing 7-5, 6-3 victory over Christina McHale on Thursday. It was an impressive showing by the 20-year-old, who needed one hour and 28 minutes to eliminate the American. Providing the impetus for Kasatkina’s victory was her excellent return. She won 54 percent of her receiving points in the second round against McHale with the Russian converting six of her 11 break point opportunities.
Kasatkina will look to keep the momentum going when she takes on fan favorite Jelena Ostapenko in the round of 32. Kasatkina will be licking her chops at the prospect of facing the reigning French Open champion as she has fared extremely well against Ostapenko of late. Kasatkina destroyed Ostapenko in the final at Charleston earlier this year, 6-3, 6-1. Kasatkina will need to limit her miscues, though, if she is to replicate that feat this coming Saturday. She committed a whopping 25 unforced errors in the win against McHale. Unforced errors were the difference in Kasatkina’s Charleston win as she recorded just seven miscues in that finale as opposed to Ostapenko’s 38.
Writer’s Prediction
Ostapenko (-140) edges past Kasatkina in three sets.
