US Open 2024: Paula Badosa vs Viktorija Golubic preview, head-to-head, prediction, and pick
Match Details
Fixture: Paula Badosa vs Viktorija Golubic
Date: August 26, 2024
Tournament: US Open 2024
Round: First round (Round of 128)
Venue: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, New York, United States
Category: Grand Slam
Surface: Hardcourt
Prize money: $75,000,000
Live telecast: USA - ESPN | Canada - TSN | UK - Sky Sports | India - Sony Sports
Paula Badosa vs Viktorija Golubic preview
World No. 27 Paula Badosa will take on World No. 74 Viktorija Golubic in the first round of the US Open on Monday, August 26.
After a tough spell on the sidelines last year, Badosa is starting to find her rhythm on the women's tour. She's had a promising season so far by amassing 26 wins from 41 matches, including a title-winning run in the Citi Open. She also reached the quarterfinals of the Bad Homburg Open and the semifinals of the Cincinnati Open, where she lost to Jessica Pegula.
Badosa was two wins away from claiming back-to-back titles on tour last week. She defeated the likes of Anna Kalinskaya, Yulia Putintseva, and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in Cincinnati, but came up shy against Jessica Pegula in the semifinals. The American defeated Badosa in three sets, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3.
Golubic, meanwhile, has struggled to compete at a high level this season. After a third-round exit at the Australian Open, she chalked up early exits in the French Open, Wimbledon Championships, and the Paris Olympics. The Swiss was eliminated by Jessica Pegula in the first round of the Summer Olympics.
She will enter New York on the back of an early exit in Cleveland. She entered the main draw there via the qualifiers, but couldn't make her mark against Beatriz Haddad Maia in the first round. The top seed Brazilian outfoxed her in straight sets, 6-3, 7-5. Golubic will be making her seventh appearance at the US Open this year.
Paula Badosa vs Viktorija Golubic head-to-head
Badosa leads the head-to-head against Golubic 1-0. She last defeated the Swiss in the 2021 Canadian Open.
Paula Badosa vs Viktorija Golubic odds
Odds will be updated when available.
Paula Badosa vs Viktorija Golubic prediction
Badosa is starting to look better and better as the season progresses. The Spaniard showed a lot of character in dealing with her injuries and will be eager to register a valuable result on tour. She is known for her rapid groundstrokes off both wings and likes to keep the points short.
Golubic, on the contrary, will need to raise her level to have a significant say in this bout. The Swiss made a promising start to the season in Melbourne but has since struggled to make a significant impact. She has a versatile all-around game and is known for her creative shot-making from the baseline.
The skiddy courts in New York will favor Badosa's high-octane skill set against Golubic's finesse. The Spaniard will be confident after strong results in the last two tournaments. It is most likely that she solves this first-round riddle and begins her campaign with a win.
Pick: Badosa to win in straight sets.