Match Details
Fixture: (61) Ashlyn Krueger vs (646) Zhang Shuai
Date: August 27, 2024
Tournament: US Open 2024
Round: First Round
Venue: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, New York, USA
Category: Grand Slam
Surface: Hardcourt
Prize Money: $750,00,000
Live Telecast: USA - ESPN | UK - Sky Sports | Canada - TSN, RDS
Ashlyn Krueger vs Zhang Shuai preview
Ashlyn Krueger from America will take on Chinese player Zhang Shuai in the first round of the US Open 2024 on August 27.
The match will be played on Court 12, where Krueger will play in front of her home crowd at Flushing Meadows. Krueger enters the tournament after a round-of-32 loss to Diana Shnaider in straight sets, 5-6, 0-6, at the Cincinnati Masters. Shnaider also defeated Shuai in the same tournament in the round of 64 in straight sets, 6-1, 6-4.
Shuai, the more experienced player, will enter the fixture looking to use her powerful groundstrokes and solid serve to dominate the 20-year-old American. On the other hand, Krueger has an aggressive baseline play and uses her height to her advantage, moving to the net after her serves, having worked on her volleys recently.
Ashlyn Krueger vs Zhang Shuai head-to-head
Ashlyn Krueger and Zhang Shuai have yet to face each other professionally before this match.
Ashlyn Krueger vs Zhang Shuai odds
Odds will be updated once available.
Ashlyn Krueger vs Zhang Shuai prediction
In the past year, Krueger has maintained a 57% win rate, while Zhang has struggled with inconsistent form, winning none of her six matches played in 2024. Despite facing opponents of similar average ranking (Krueger: 111, Zhang: 105), the quality of competition has differed significantly. Krueger played on the Main Tour, while Zhang competed in the Masters Series.
One advantage for Zhang in this fixture is her career-best record on hard courts, where she has won 60% of her matches. In contrast, Krueger's worst record is on hard ground, with a win rate of just 43%.
In recent form, Zhang has saved 48% of her breakpoints, while Krueger has saved 53%. When the match reaches a deciding set, Zhang has yet to win one this year, while Krueger has won 47% of her deciding sets.
Both players bring unique strengths to the match. Zhang's experience and technical skills will be countered by Krueger's speed and court coverage. The contrasting styles will make for an exciting game as we see who advances to the second round.
Krueger is coming into the US Open 2024 after playing in back-to-back tournaments during which she showed constant improvement. Zhang's form, on the other hand, has dipped from her prime. As such, Krueger's mental toughness and ability to capitalize on crucial points, such as set points and breakpoints, could give her the edge in securing a victory.
Pick - Krueger to win in three sets.