2021 US Open First Round – Alison Riske vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Alison Riske vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova taking place? Alison Riske vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova will take place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, New York, USA
When is Alison Riske vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova on and what time does it start? Wednesday 1st September, 2021 – not before 00:00 (UK)
What surface is Alison Riske vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova being played on? Alison Riske vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Alison Riske vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Alison Riske vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
What channel is Alison Riske vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova on in the UK? Amazon have exclusive rights to show the 2021 US Open in the UK so it is worth checking the Amazon Prime Video app on smart TVs for Alison Riske vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
Where can I stream Alison Riske vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the UK? Amazon Prime subscribers may be able to stream Alison Riske vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova live via their platform
THE LOWDOWN
ALISON RISKE
31-year-old Alison Riske reached a career-high of 18th in the WTA world rankings two years ago after an impressive run to the quarter-finals of Wimbledon. The American also won ‘s-Hertogenbosch that year on grass for her second of two WTA tour titles to her name so far. Riske has struggled with both form and fitness recently, with just 14 matches played since an injury at Roland-Garros last season.
ANASTASIA PAVLYUCHENKOVA
30-year-old Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova is not far from her career-high 13th in the WTA world rankings achieved a decade ago after a brilliant 2021 season so far. The Russian finished runner-up to Barbora Krejcikova at Roland-Garros in June, snapping her gut-wrenching record of six quarter-finals reached at Grand Slams, including here at the US Open in 2011. Although she has not yet won a title since 2018 she has been there or thereabouts throughout the year and she owns 12 WTA titles already.
THE PREDICTION
Alison Riske will be well-backed at the US Open as a popular player with the home fans but she has struggled so badly with injuries and setbacks this past year it is tough to see her come through this. However, the American actually leads the head-to-head record with consistent top 30er Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 3-2, including their only Grand Slam meeting in the first round of Wimbledon ion 2014. Pavlyuchenkova has won two of their last three matches but, to be fair, the pair have not faced each other for four years. The Russian has enjoyed some excellent form this season, though, including a first Grand Slam final at Roland-Garros and she should be able to navigate through this tough opening fixture. Take Pavlyuchenkova to win at least a set as the likelier of two capable winners.
