Qinwen Zheng vs Kristina Liutova Preview & Prediction | 2026 US Open | First Round

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Qinwen Zheng takes on Kristina Liutova in the first-round of the US Open.

Start date/time: 31 August 2026 at 4:00 pm

Venue: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, New York, USA

Surface: Outdoor hard

How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports Tennis / USA – ESPN

How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – ESPN+

Tickets: Visit this link for the latest Qinwen Zheng vs Kristina Liutova ticket information

Qinwen Zheng vs Kristina Liutova prediction

Qinwen Zheng returns to the US Open main draw after missing last year through elbow surgery, and the former world number four has gathered momentum by winning all three qualifying matches. She beat Xiaodi You and Clara Burel in straight sets before overcoming Elena Pridankina 6-4 3-6 6-0. The 2024 Olympic champion will hope for a strong run in the main draw, as she continues to try and rediscover her best level.

She has a tough task in round one as she faces Kristina Liutova. The 16-year-old has compiled an outstanding 2026 season and arrives on a nine-match winning streak, as she remarkably won the Memphis Open title on her WTA Tour debut before coming through three rounds of US Open qualifying. Her Memphis run included wins over Maya Joint and Caty McNally.

Zheng’s power and experience should make her the favourite, but Liutova will be full of confidence after such an incredible run over the past month. 

Qinwen Zheng vs Kristina Liutova tip: Over 21.5 games