Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the US Open match
Clara Tauson
Before landing in New York, Tauson had won just one match in her last seven tournaments. The Dane defeated Anna Karolina Schmiedlova in Cleveland. Ironically, it was the same Schmiedlova that Clara beat in the first round of the US Open (1:6, 7:6, 6:2). However, Tauson has a long way to go to start enjoying tennis again. She hasn’t reached at least a WTA quarterfinal since February 2023.
Diana Shnaider
A more convincing debut at the tournament than Shnaider’s is hard to imagine. The Russian saved all four breakpoints on her serve and converted all five chances on her opponent’s serve. This shows her incredible focus and commitment. Over the past year, she has reached six finals at the 125K and WTA levels, winning three titles: Hua Hin, Bad Homburg, and Budapest. Just before her trip to New York, she reached her first career semifinal at the WTA 1000 event in Toronto and made it to the third round in Cincinnati.
Clara Tauson - Diana Shnaider Prediction
In the North American part of the season, Shnaider has seven wins in nine matches. Tauson is experiencing a crisis period, and it's hard to expect her to succeed against such a confident opponent. We’re taking the handicap on Diana.
