US Open Best Bet: Caroline Wozniacki vs. Petra Kvitova

The return of Caroline Wozniacki to the pro tour has been one of the best stories in tennis, and we’ll now get to see the 2018 Australian Open champion in a big-time match. Wozniacki is set to take on world No. 11 Petra Kvitova in the second round of the US Open. This might seem like a tough task for the Danish star, but I think Wozniacki has quickly proven that she is still capable of playing some high-level tennis, and I expect her to push Kvitova here. That’s why I’m taking Wozniacki to win at least one set in this match.

Playing on a big stage in Louis Armstrong Stadium on Monday, Wozniacki dismantled Tatlana Prozorova in a 6-3, 6-2 win. She looked very comfortable with the ball on her racquet, going 6 for 9 on break point opportunities in the return game. Wozniacki also showed off her world-class movement along the baseline, which is something that was there the second she stepped on the court in Montreal in early August.

Wozniacki has now had some time to knock off the rust and get used to playing at this level again, and I now believe the next step is going toe to toe with an elite player. Kvitova is a good one for her to be matched up against. The Czech isn’t playing her best tennis right now, as she suffered a disappointing fourth-round exit at Wimbledon. The two-time Wimbledon champion then lost in the second round in both Montreal and Cincinnati. She’s simply not in great form right now.

Overall, I think Wozniacki has what it takes to at least stay in this match until the very end. And if you have built up a big bankroll over the year, I’d even suggest sprinkling a little on the moneyline at +195.

I genuinely think Wozniacki has the ability to be a Top 25 player again, and I also think the crowd will be firmly in her corner in this match. That’ll give her the extra adrenaline she needs to match Kvitova’s pace with her groundstrokes.

Bet: Wozniacki +1.5 Sets (-140)