US Open Day 8 – Women’s predictions, including Swiatek vs Samsonova

We’re wrapping up the fourth round on Day 8 of the US Open and by Monday night, four more women will have secured places in the quarterfinals. Who will reach the last eight and who will fail? As always, our writers share their thoughts on all four matches. The predictions for these matches are Jordan Reynolds, Damian Kust and Ilemona Onekutu. Who do you think will advance?

US Open, Day 8, Women’s Predictions

Diana Shnaider vs Jessica Pegula

Jordan:
This is a dangerous match for Pegula. Shnaider is one of the most improved players in tennis and, at her best, a tough opponent for anyone. Ultimately, Pegula’s consistency is tough to compete with after her recent results, but this could be a battle that gives the American No. 2 some scares along the way.
Forecast: Pegula in 3

Damian:
Shnaider is in fantastic form this year and definitely cannot be underestimated. But it was Pegula who stopped her in the semifinals in Toronto and she is the favourite to do it again. It’s been a strange season for the American as she has struggled with injuries from time to time but the way she has rebuilt herself for the North American hard court season is so impressive.
Forecast: Pegula in 3

Ilemon:
Jessica Pegula fondly remembers her last encounter with Shnaider, when she defeated her in the semifinals in Toronto to defend her title. She is the favorite to advance again and make history again. Shnaider will ask a few questions on the day, but Pegula should have the answers more than ready.
Forecast: Pegula in 2

Caroline Wozniacki vs. Beatriz Haddad Maia

Jordan:
Haddad Maia has returned to form after a difficult season so far. Wozniacki was not talked about much before the tournament, but the Danish veteran is having a great run in New York. The final Grand Slam of the year has seen her best tennis since her comeback, having also reached the fourth round last year. Overall, I give Wozniacki the edge in what promises to be a long match.
Prediction: Wozniacki in 3

Damian:
Wozniacki has had a really easy draw so far and this will be her first test. It seems that Haddad Maia has really hit her stride after a slow spell in Cleveland and is now hitting with a lot of confidence again. The veteran has not looked that impressive and could struggle to match Haddad Maia’s peak performance if she turns up on the day.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 3

Ilemon:
Wozniacki has quietly been on an impressive run. The two-time finalist has undoubtedly proven herself to be one of the last underdogs in the tournament. A fourth-round clash against Haddad Maia will be the first real challenge for the Danish player. With enough consistency, she should be able to get through it.
Prediction: Wozniacki in 3

Embed from Getty Images

Karolina Muchova vs Jasmine Paolini

Jordan:
This is such an exciting match between two of the most watchable players in tennis. Muchova’s complete game was a joy to watch, but Paolini usually plays well against varied opponents. The Italian is also a very complete player and can combine that with her baseline bite. Despite Muchova’s level so far, Paolini’s two major finals this year show she has the edge in those tricky pre-final clashes, and that could make the difference.
Prediction Paolini in 3

Damian:
Paolini’s consistency in the Majors this year is simply incredible, especially considering she has never made it past the second round of a Grand Slam before 2024. She has been the “best of the rest” throughout, and while that is impressive, I can’t put her up against a more talented player with much greater potential (whose only real tennis problem is her health).
Forecast Muchova in 3

Ilemon:
Muchova has a 3-0 head-to-head advantage, but Paolini was a different player the last time they met. This year she has reached the final of two Grand Slams and climbed to No. 5 in the rankings. This match will be tough, but I am confident that Paolini’s Grand Slam streak will continue.
Prediction Paolini in 3

Embed from Getty Images

Iga Swiatek vs Liudmila Samsonova

Jordan:
Samsonova will need to serve superbly to have a chance of beating the world No. 1. Swiatek has been superb in her last two matches and the draw seems wide open for her to reach another final at Flushing Meadows. Samsonova hits her groundstrokes flat but I don’t think she can put enough pressure on Swiatek in the medium-paced conditions.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2

Damian:
This rivalry has been a bit of a lottery when it comes to whether the match between them would be close or not. Swiatek is more comfortable on these courts than she was in Cincinnati and it shows, but she is still relatively vulnerable. If she plays Samsonova as cautiously as she did in Beijing last year, the hitter will have a hard time keeping the number of errors under control.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2

Ilemon:
Iga Swiatek looked better and better as the rounds went on. That would have put the rest of the field on alert. The world number 1 is often unbeatable when she finds her rhythm. Samsonova is an opponent whose game Swiatek knows well, having won three matches in as many. This should be an easy win for Swiatek.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2

Photo credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports