With Week 1 of the US Open 2021 approaching its end, the women’s singles category enters its third round of matches. With all top 10 seeds reaching the third round, top seed Ashleigh Barty will face unseeded American Shelby Rogers in this round.

This will be their fifth meeting in 2021, and sixth overall in their professional careers.

Ashleigh Barty vs Shelby Rogers: Preview

Rogers made a solid start to her US Open 2021 campaign. She defeated World No. 76 Madison Brengle in straight sets to move to the second round, where she faced World No. 39 Sorana Cirstea. Despite facing a stiffer challenge, the American held off the Romanian in straight sets to progress to the third round.

Meanwhile, Barty defeated former World No. 2 Vera Zvonareva in straight sets. Although the second set went to a tie-breaker, the Australian rarely looked in trouble throughout the match. She then defeated Clara Tauson, once again in straight sets 6-1, 7-5, to advance to the third round.

READ MORE: “Has the Variety That No One Else Has” – Martina Navratilova Heaps Praise on Ashleigh Barty

Barty vs Rogers: Head-to-Head, Livestream & Prediction

Barty and Rogers, separated by 42 places in the WTA Rankings, have faced off five times prior to this fixture. The World No. 1 prevailed in all those matches, which gives her a superior 5-0 lead in their head-to-head.

Although both players are yet to drop a set in the US Open, Barty is riding a wave of confidence since her maiden Grand Slam victory in the Wimbledon Championships. Despite sitting out a few hard court warmup tournaments, the Australian clinched the Cincinnati Open in convincing fashion.

With an impeccable serve and exquisite shot making, Barty looks the overwhelming favorite to advance to the third round. Despite Rogers taking Barty to three sets on two occasions, their match in New York looks like it won’t need a third set to settle it.

The match will take place on Saturday, September 4, with ESPN broadcasting the match in the United States. In the UK, fans can catch the action on Amazon Prime Video. Star Sports will broadcast the match live for Indian fans.

Prediction: Ashleigh Barty to win in straight sets.

WATCH STORY: Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Maria Sharapova, Naomi Osaka and Other WTA Players’ Maiden Tour Title