Lanlana Tararudee and Linda Noskova meet in the US Open women’s second round on Thursday, September 3 at 01:00 UTC. Noskova brings the higher ceiling; the quieter question is whether she can clear a generous games line.
Tararudee stays while Noskova fluctuates
Tararudee defeated No. 115 Elvina Kalieva 6-3, 6-7(4), 6-2 in her opener. Losing the second-set tiebreak did not disturb her work in the decider, which fits a recent pattern of absorbing difficult passages without shortening rallies or forcing the next shot.
Noskova beat No. 78 Katie Volynets 7-5, 6-1, but only after falling two breaks behind and saving set points. The score became tidy; the route was not. Her heavier serve and flat first strike suit this hard court, yet ten double faults showed why patient opposition can keep her occupied.
Why four and a half games matter
Tararudee’s sensible route is compact returning through the middle, reliable depth and changes of direction once Noskova starts hitting while moving. She does not need to match Noskova’s pace; she needs to make that pace arrive repeatedly, preferably from less comfortable positions.
A Noskova victory remains compatible with the bet. Tararudee’s +4.5 games covers a close straight-set defeat and most three-set shapes, while also collecting if Noskova’s serving rhythm breaks down completely. The ranking gap is large; the score need not be.
Prediction: Lanlana Tararudee +4.5 games, odds 2.028
