The third round concludes on Day 6 of the US Open, and we are treated to eight women's matches to find out who will advance to the Round of 16. Will Iga Swiatek continue her dominant form? Will we see more upsets? As always, our writers share their thoughts on the matches. We've split Saturday's eight matches into two articles – the other article is about Jessica Pegula vs Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. These matches are predicted by Jordan Reynolds, Ilemona Onekutu and Jim Smith. Who do you think will advance?
US Open, Day 6, Women's Predictions
Sara Errani vs. Diana Shnaider
Jordan:
The fact that 37-year-old Errani has made it to the third round is one of the most surprising developments in the women's competition. She has absolutely nothing to lose against Shnaider. However, the Italian's combative style will not work in this match. He will give Shnaider the chance to strike again and again with her powerful groundstrokes and take the win.
Prediction: Shnaider in 2
Ilemon:
Sara Errani has been an impressive surprise machine in her last two matches. I bet against her in the last round and I'm backing her again. Shnaider's tennis is head and shoulders above any opponent Errani has faced so far.
Prediction: Shnaider in 2
Jim:
Sara Errani will not make it easy for the young Russian. The Italian has an unusual playing style that can confuse players and a huge amount of experience. But at this stage of their respective careers, Diana Shnaider is simply operating at a different level than Errani.
Prediction: Shnaider in 3
Beatriz Haddad Maia vs. Anna Kalinskaya
Jordan:
Haddad Maia is back on the winning track after reaching the final in Cleveland and two good wins in Flushing Meadows. The Brazilian will have to vary her speed and turns against Kalinskaya to increase her chances of winning. The Dubai Tennis Championships runner-up has more firepower than her. Haddad Maia always fights hard, but I think Kalinskaya's powerful shots might be too much for her.
Prediction: Kalinskaya in 3
Ilemon:
Haddad is dangerous when she is on form and her play so far suggests she has a perfect feel for the court. What worries her is the amount of tennis she has had to play over the last two weeks on the way to the final in Cleveland. Kalinskaya herself was solid but Haddad Maia should have enough to advance.
Forecast: Haddad Maia in 2
Jim:
Beatriz Haddad Maia has maintained her solid form now that she is in New York at the US Open. She does not appear to be a title contender, but she should secure her place in the second round.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 3
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Karolina Muchova vs. Anastasia Potapova
Jordan:
For Muchova, this is a completely different challenge than the last round against Naomi Osaka. The Czech will have to develop her own pace against the stubborn Potapova. She did this very well in the first round against Katie Volynets, who has a similar style to her third opponent. Muchova is the favorite for another victory in New York.
Prediction: Muchova in 2
Ilemon:
Karolina Muchova beat two-time US Open champion Naomi Osaka in round 2 to book her place here. Her level was almost flawless from start to finish and it would be an incredible achievement for Potapova to beat her here.
Prediction: Muchova in 2
Jim:
Karolina Muchova has made a strong impression so far in New York, a warning sign for the rest of the team. The Czech probably doesn't have enough tennis to challenge the best in the sport, but Anastasia Potapova should be able to beat her.
Prediction: Muchova in 3
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Iga Swiatek vs. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
Jordan:
Swiatek made a statement with her dominant win in the second round. Her only previous meeting with Pavlyuchenkova ended in a 6-0, 6-0 victory at the Italian Open on clay. Given that the court is hard court and the law of averages applies, a repeat of that result is very unlikely. But Pavlyuchenkova is unlikely to come close to winning.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Ilemon:
The last time Swiatek faced Pavelyuchenkova, she beat her twice. At her best, Swiatek is usually unbeatable on almost all surfaces and if she has enough time to sort out the problems of her long summer, I expect a performance close to her best.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Jim:
Iga Swiatek hasn't looked unbeatable so far in New York, but she's looked like she'll be very difficult to beat. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova has had a good week, but unless she plays one of the best matches of her career, it's hard to imagine her pulling off an upset here.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Photo credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
