Rankings & Form
Maria Sakkari currently holds the edge in rankings at No. 35 with 1,415 points compared to Yulia Starodubtseva’s No. 58 and 1,045 points. Both players enter the US Open with mixed recent form; Sakkari's pattern of wins and losses (WLWLW) indicates she can produce high-level performances but sometimes struggles with consistency. Starodubtseva’s form (LWWLW) shows resilience, bouncing back quickly after defeats, though her results have been less stable overall.
Recent Results
Looking at their latest matches, Sakkari has had some tight three-set encounters, winning 2-1 twice and losing 1-2 and 0-2, highlighting competitive but fluctuating outcomes. Starodubtseva’s recent matches include two straight-set victories (0-2) and a straight-set loss (2-0), reflecting a capacity to close matches decisively when on form but also vulnerability. These contrasting patterns may influence how the match unfolds, with Sakkari’s ability to grind in longer rallies pitted against Starodubtseva’s sharper finishes.
Tactical Matchup
Sakkari’s physical style and strong baseline game typically suits the hard courts of the US Open, where she can leverage her defensive skills and power. Starodubtseva, while less experienced at this stage, often plays aggressively, aiming to shorten points. This clash of styles suggests a potentially extended battle, especially given both players’ recent tendency to split sets, which aligns with the expected over 22.5 games total according to AI picks.
Match Prediction
Given Sakkari’s higher ranking and deeper experience in Grand Slam settings, she is the favored pick at around 1.60 odds. However, Starodubtseva’s momentum and ability to disrupt rhythm means the match could stretch beyond straightforward scorelines. Bettors should consider Sakkari to win but also the likelihood of a competitive match with numerous games, supporting the over 22.5 total games market.



































