The US Open delivered on Monday and I can't wait to see what Tuesday brings!
I’ve found value on two of Tuesday's matchups: Boulter vs Sasnovich and Muchova vs Volynets.
Read on to find US Open picks for Tuesday, August 27.
Note: Match times are subject to change. Read here for tips on viewing tennis matches and seeing tennis odds.'
2024 US Open Predictions
Katie Boulter (-200) vs Aliaksandra Sasnovich (+168)
11 a.m. ET
Most recently in Cincinnati (hard), Katie Boulter fell 6-2, 0-6, 5-7 to Magda Linette in her first match. Boulter dropped to 2-2 on hard courts this summer, but Haddad Maia did retire very early in one of those wins. The Brit does have a strong 13-7 record on hard for the year and a 221-145 record for her career.
Boulter has a big first serve and, when at her best, she effectively dictates from the ground, especially with her forehand. The 28-year old has improved her rally tolerance as well, although she's far from perfect.
The Brit's form has cooled off lately, as she's gone 1-4 in her last five completed matches. Boulter's a bit less precise than earlier this year and her backhand can break down. In addition, Boulter struggles to absorb pace and is a mediocre mover.
Aliaksandra Sasnovich qualified for US Open without losing a set, defeating Zeynep Somnez in the final qualifying round. Sasnovich is 4-1 during the summer hard-court swing, improving her hard-court record this season to 9-10. As a professional, the Belarusian is 273-173 on the surface.
Sasnovich plays high-risk, aggressive tennis. She hits her spots on serve and plays offensive baseline tennis, often taking the racquet out of her opponents' hands with her power. The 30-year old veteran positions herself in offensive areas of the court and is in a good baseline rhythm.
Sasnovich is a form player where, when she's out of form (like earlier this season), those aggressive groundstrokes lead to unforced errors. Whereas, in Flushing Meadows, the Belarusian has hit her targets and overpowered her opposition. And when forced to, she can successfully defend.
Sasnovich, in her current form, matches up well with Boulter. Both players like to dictate play, but Sasnovich is a little more athletic and capable when on defense.
Sasnovich's powerful groundstrokes should extract the Brit from the baseline and exacerbate this defense, with the Brit not counterpunching well either.
When Sasnovich is in form, there is little difference in level between her and Boulter.
Pick: Sasnovich +3.5 games (-122 via FanDuel)
Karolina Muchova (-345) vs Katie Volynets (+270)
11 a.m. ET
Cincinnati was Karolina Muchova's first hard-court tournament of the season, losing in three sets to Jessica Pegula in her second match.
Muchova, who returned earlier this summer from a wrist ailment, does have a 7-4 overall record on the year, showing that she's returning to form, and an impressive 141-67 career-record on hard courts. Last season, the Czech made the semifinals of the US Open before falling to Coco Gauff.
Muchova has a precise first serve and she can hit with controlled aggression from the ground, particularly with her forehand. But it's the 28 year-old's variety that stand out the most. Whether it be the Czech's backhand slice, angles, drop shots or her net game, Muchova takes her opponents out of their comfort zone.
There are times when Muchova loses her rally tolerance, especially against opponents who press her for time.
Katie Volynets has gone 3-4 during the summer hard-court swing, most recently falling to Sofia Kenin in a tight three-setter in Cleveland. While the American has cooled off this summer, she does have a 20-11 mark on the surface in 2024. And, as a professional, Volynets is a strong 120-84 on hard.
Volynets is quick around the court and is very consistent. The 22-year old often wears down her opponents with her physicality, as she's very fit. With that said, she lacks pace both on her serve and from the ground, and can sometimes leave balls shorter in the court, especially when she's lacking confidence. Volynets also lacks creativity and variety.
Against a higher-level offensive player like Muchova, Volynets doesn't have enough weapons to take the Czech out of her comfort zone.
Muchova can struggle against players who rush her and force her off of the baseline, playing to their rhythm. However, Volynets doesn't present this problem whatsoever.
Muchova should be the one pressuring Volynets, dragging her around the court until she finds an opening. The 28-year old is also much more adept to cat-and-mouse points with her dynamic game.
Muchova's ability to move forward and finish points at the net should be huge to keep Volynets from turning this into a physical war.
Pick: Volynets to NOT win a set (-116 via FanDuel)
