US Open Day 5 Odds, Picks & Gauff vs. Mertens Prediction 09/01

• ⭐ Elena Rybakina to win 2-0 (-120) at BetMGM

So far, Rybakina has faced minimal opposition, particularly after Ajla Tomljanovic withdrew before their second-round encounter. 

On the other hand, Cirstea is no stranger to third-round Grand Slam action, having reached this stage nearly 20 times. While the match is poised to be a competitive battle, Cirstea seems to lack the tools to genuinely unsettle Rybakina.

Questions surrounded Rybakina's fitness leading into the US Open, but she dispelled those doubts with a straightforward win over Kostyuk in the opening round. 

Although Cirstea, who is often underestimated, has shown flashes of brilliance this year, she may need Rybakina to have an off-day, especially on her serve, to have a chance at an upset.

⭐ Best Betting Pick: Elena Rybakina to win 2-0  (+120) at BetMGM

• ⭐ Karolina Muchova  to win 2-0 (-170) at FanDuel

Townsend's victory over Beatriz Haddad Maia was both emotionally charged and stunningly executed and she could be poised for another upset. 

While Muchova, like Haddad Maia, isn't among the tour's hardest hitters, she does bring more variety to her game. However, Townsend excels when she has time to set up her groundstrokes and frequently approach the net. It seems her compelling journey is set to continue.

The match promises unique tactical interplay given the diverse skill sets both players offer. Townsend is likely to employ a frequent serve-and-volley strategy. 

The question arises: Is Muchova better prepared to counter this, being one of the rare players who is also highly adept at net play? It's a reasonable supposition.

⭐ Best Betting Pick: Karolina Muchova  to win 2-0 (-170) at FanDuel

• ⭐ Coco Gauff to win 2-0 (-240) at Draftkings

Mertens demonstrated her ability to navigate the American crowd with her comeback victory over Danielle Collins. 

But while many expect her to give Gauff a strong challenge, and she's got less to lose, the Cincinnati champion seems less susceptible to mental lapses than Collins, making her the likely winner.

In her opening match against Siegemund, Gauff secured an essential win that seems to have eased her into managing new expectations following her impressive warm-up performances. 

Had things gone differently, she might have faced Collins in Round 3; Gauff should be relieved to meet a less intimidating opponent in Mertens. Expect the American to maintain her excellent form.

⭐ Best Betting Pick: Coco Gauff to win 2-0  (-240) at Draftkings