Venus Williams, of the United States, chases down a shot from Zheng Saisai, of China, during the first round of the US Open tennis tournament Monday, Aug. 26, 2019, in New York. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)Associated Press

U.S. Open women's 2nd round: Barty vs Davis, Svitolina vs Venus, Kenin vs Siegemund, Serena vs McNally

The Venus Williams match is the first of the American women's matches, Wednesday at 1 pm EDT.

2019 U.S. Open

Flushing Meadows, Queens, NY

Women’s Second Round picks

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Americans playing today in round 2

Ash Barty over Lauren Davis

The problem for Lauren Davis when she plays Ash Barty is that they play the same game, it’s just that the Aussie plays it better. Davis will fight the end, but the end always comes.

Elina Svitolina over Venus Williams

Time was when Venus Williams would go on the court knowing that she was the better athlete between her and her competitor. No longer. Elina Svitolina is the better athlete, she’s younger, and she’s the better tennis player. Williams has no shot. For those Americans who think Venus will win this match, I’d simply remind you that it’s 2019.

Sofia Kenin over Laura Siegemund

Sofia Kenin has come a long way in the last year. Now as the 20th seed, she is poised and positioned to make a realistic deep run here. She should have no trouble beating the veteran German, Laura Siegemund.

Serena Williams over Caty McNally

Caty McNally, a 17-year-old American, has a realistic chance to win this match. If the old lady comes out and sprays the ball all over the court, as she is wont to do as she ages, McNally will shock the world. I’m not picking the youngster to win because, aside from that horrendous body-clinching outfit she wore in her destruction of Maria Sharapova in Round One, Serena looked better than she has all year. Although it doesn’t look like she lost any weight, she was a bit quicker off the ball, and seemed more eager than before. Still, she is beatable, and McNally has a chance, but all these young girls have to get used to the pace of Serena’s ball, and particularly her serve. Once they get their timing down, Serena today is just like any other opponent.

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