2021 US Open First Round – Kristina Mladenovic vs Johanna Konta Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Kristina Mladenovic vs Johanna Konta taking place? Kristina Mladenovic vs Johanna Konta will take place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, New York, USA
When is Kristina Mladenovic vs Johanna Konta on and what time does it start? Monday 30th August, 2021 – not before 19:15 (UK)
What surface is Kristina Mladenovic vs Johanna Konta being played on? Kristina Mladenovic vs Johanna Konta will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Kristina Mladenovic vs Johanna Konta? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Kristina Mladenovic vs Johanna Konta
What channel is Kristina Mladenovic vs Johanna Konta 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 Kristina Mladenovic vs Johanna Konta
Where can I stream Kristina Mladenovic vs Johanna Konta in the UK? Amazon Prime subscribers may be able to stream Kristina Mladenovic vs Johanna Konta live via their platform
THE LOWDOWN
KRISTINA MLADENOVIC
Former world number 10 Kristina Mladenovic has reached two quarter-finals over her career at the US Open in 2015 and Roland-Garros in 2017. The 28-year-old spends most of her efforts in the Doubles side of the game these days where she has won an incredible 26 titles in Women’s (24) and Mixed (2) combined, including three Australian Open titles, three Roland-Garros titles and a Wimbledon title.
JOHANNA KONTA
Since winning her fourth WTA title at the Nottingham Open back in June Konta has struggled with a knee issue and also covid-19 to see her miss plenty of action this summer. However, the 30-year-old beat Elina Svitolina earlier this month at the Canadian Open to show what she is capable of and her Grand Slam record speaks for itself. Konta has made the quarter-finals of every Grand Slam, with further semi-finals at the Australian Open in 2016, Wimbledon in 2017 and Roland-Garros in 2019.
THE PREDICTION
It is a surprise to find that Kristina Mladenovic has beaten Jo Konta in all four of their previous tour-level meetings, although they have not met since 2014 and Konta’s level has risen significantly since then. This and any more matches the Brit might manage at Flushing Meadows this fortnight will be all about her ability to stay fit and if she can finish this first round match she should navigate a way through to second round. Mladenovic’s recent results do not suggest she can make it five from five here, although that record is enough to take Konta as a cautious outright winner instead of straight sets.
