US Open Day 1 Predictions Including Pegula vs Ruse

After weeks of build-up, the US Open gets underway on Sunday with 18 women’s singles matches on the slate on day one. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match, including Zhang Shuai vs Leylah Fernandez, Emma Navarro vs Lois Boisson, Venus Williams vs Sofia Kenin, and Kamila Rakhimova vs Barbora Krejcikova. But who will reach the second round in New York?

US Open Day 1 Predictions

Jessica Pegula vs Elena-Gabriela Ruse

Ilemona: Jessica Pegula is playing on home soil as the third seed and comes in off a strong Cincinnati final run, so her hardcourt game is dialed in. Elena-Gabriela Ruse has had success at this tournament before but has been ranked outside the top 100 for much of the season and lacks recent match play at this level. The American’s consistency from the baseline and superior form this summer make her a tough first-round assignment.

Prediction: Pegula in 2

Nurein: This is a tough opener for Jessica Pegula who is one of the leading contenders for the title. Elena-Gabriela Ruse has troubled some big names on hard courts with her aggressive game. But with Pegula fully recharged after a busy summer, I fancy her to progress unscathed.

Prediction: Pegula in 2

Jim: Pegula still has a lot to do when it comes to proving that she is a genuine threat to win a Major, but the fact that she is even in the conversation is a reflection of how effectively she normally handles this sort of assignment. It may not be entirely straightforward for the American, but she should advance comfortably enough.

Prediction: Pegula in 2

Talia Gibson vs Donna Vekic

Ilemona: Donna Vekic has the experience of multiple Grand Slam quarterfinals and a game built for hard courts, though she has been up and down in 2026. Talia Gibson has had a breakthrough season, cracking the top 60 and showing she belongs at this level, but this is a big step up in class. If Donna’s serve is clicking, she can control the tempo, but Talia’s speed could make this closer than the rankings suggest.

Prediction: Vekic in 3

Nurein: Gibson has been one of the standout players on hard courts this season and recorded some spectacular results during the Sunshine Swing. Vekic is winless since winning the title at Queen’s. If her confidence remains shaky, the Australian can expose that.

Prediction: Gibson in 3

Jim: Vekic has never quite managed to find the sort of consistency that would have elevated her into the upper echelons of the game, but her game has a lot of upside all the same. Gibson is a good enough player to challenge her, but the Croatian should have enough to advance – should being the operative word.

Prediction: Vekic in 3

Renata Zarazua vs Polina Iatcenko

Ilemona: Renata Zarazua has been a solid presence on tour with good clay-court results, while Polina Iatcenko is a rising Russian qualifier who has been climbing the rankings steadily. This is their first meeting, and it pits Zarazua’s experience against Iatcenko’s youthful aggression. The Russian’s recent hardcourt form might give her a slight edge in what should be a competitive opener.

Prediction: Iatcenko in 3

Nurein: Polina Iatcenko earned an impressive win over Lucia Bronzetti in qualifying. But Renata Zarazua poses a very different challenge in this matchup with her crafty game which troubled Clara Tauson in Monterrey.

Prediction: Zarazua in 2

Jim: This could probably go either way, and is a huge opportunity for both. But Zarazua’s experience should stand her in good stead here. She has reached the US Open second round in back-to-back seasons and has generally played solid tennis, making herself hard to beat. She might just be able to grind the qualifier down.

Prediction: Zarazua in 3

Elina Svitolina vs Solana Sierra

Ilemona: Elina Svitolina has been a consistent threat on hard courts throughout 2026, using her defensive skills to frustrate opponents. Solana Sierra is a young Argentine who caused a stir by upsetting Jasmine Paolini at Roland Garros, but she has limited experience at the US Open. The Ukrainian’s experience and tactical nous should help her navigate any early nerves against a dangerous but unproven opponent.

Prediction: Svitolina in 2

Nurein: Elina Svitolina has come close to reaching her first Grand Slam final in recent years, including at the US Open. Could this be her year? She’ll be hoping to improve on last year’s shocking opening round exit at the US Open. Solana Sierra nearly knocked out Coco Gauff in her last Major tournament and should not be underestimated. Svitolina might need to dig deep here.

Prediction: Svitolina in 3

Jim: Svitolina probably isn’t a threat to win the US Open title over the next fortnight, but the Ukrainian should at least make the second week. Sierra’s time will likely come, but she is still at her best on the clay and this is probably a challenge too far for the Argentine.

Prediction: Svitolina in 2

Main photo credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images