Canada’s Eugenie Bouchard Eyes US Open Upset of Angelique Kerber

After a successful start to her US Open campaign, Canada’s Eugenie Bouchard faces a huge test today as she battles #8 seed Angelique Kerber. Al Dannity breaks down the match and the other pairings to watch out for in Flushing Meadows on Wednesday.

Monday’s win over Karolina Pliskova was a battle, with Eugenie Bouchard needing three sets to see off the Czech. Today the young Canadian faces a big step up in class. Angelique Kerber, the #8 seed from Germany, arrives in the second round fresh off a 6-1 6-1 demolition of Lucie Hradecka. Kerber’s form has been sketchy of late. After some deep runs on the early hard court swing, the German put in some solid performances on clay. Her game has been far less consistent in recent months with a loss to Kaia Kanepi in Wimbledon kicking off a slump that has endured through the summer months. Flushing Meadows however has been kind to the German in recent years, with Kerber reaching the semis in 2011 and the last 16 last year. Bouchard by contrast has never even played at qualifying for the US Open. Having won her first match, a win on Wednesday would be a huge bonus. Recent form would suggest Bouchard doesn’t have the game to pull off an upset but don’t be shocked if the +221 underdog pushes Kerber close.

Stan Wawrinka’s match with Radek Stepanek in the Grandstand promises to be the match of the day. Stepanek was the unlikely beneficiary in the strangest game ever at Cincinnati last month and always looks at home on hard courts. Wawrinka however has shown a consistent streak over the past two seasons. The Swiss #9 seed should have enough to pull through as -227 favourite.

The biggest name on court today is Andy Murray. The #3 seed will take on France’s Michael Llodra in Arthur Ashe Stadium. Murray has endured a bit of a hangover since winning Wimbledon but the defending US Open champion knows he has a favourable draw. Llodra may force it to four sets but it’s unlikely the Frenchman stretches it beyond the minimum.

Finally a word for Canada’s Sharon Fichman and Aleksandra Wozniak who play Allie Kiick and Saschia Vickery in the doubles. Fichman went out of the singles in three sets on Monday and will be keen to last a little longer in the doubles. In terms of ranking the pairs are evenly matched but I like the more experienced Canadian duo to progress.