Day 2 is upon us and the other half of the draw is ready for action. Take a look at how our writers expect these five feature matches to go. Our panelists today are LWOS writers Niall Clarke, Linda Celia Ellis, and John Lupo.
Caroline Wozniacki vs Saisai Zheng
Niall
Wozniacki pulled out of the Eastbourne semifinal last week, so could be a potential upset candidate in the early rounds. She faces Saisai Zheng who is not in the best of form at the moment, so Wozniacki should pull through if healthy.
Prediction: Wozniacki in 2
Linda
Wozniacki is my dark horse for this tournament; she played a strong tournament in Eastbourne until retiring mid match with a back injury. The retirement was probably precautionary so that she would be in top condition for Wimbledon. Based on her recent form and that she is playing a player ranked #66 on the WTA tour I think this will be a routine straight set win for Wozniacki.
Prediction: Wozniacki in 2
John
The first meeting between these two players sees the Dane as an overwhelming favorite against an opponent that plays a similar style. Zheng improved her ranking by cleaning up on the ITF circuit, particularly in Asia, and has been average this season on the WTA level. A straightforward win for Wozniacki is the likeliest outcome here.
Prediction: Wozniacki in 2 comfortable sets
Garbine Muguruza vs Varvara Lepchenko
Niall
Muguruza is not at her best on grass. She struggles with movement and timing, and does not have the greatest amount of confidence on the surface. Lepchenko, however, is in terrible form, losing all her grass court matches, so despite her difficulties, Muguruza should pull through.
Prediction: Muguruza in 2
Linda
Muguruza lost in the first round in Birmingham but she fared much better in Eastbourne until she ran into the red hot Konta. In contrast Lepchenko lost in the first round in both Birmingham and Eastbourne. I think the power of Muguruza will be too much for Lepchenko and expect her to win this match in straight sets.
Prediction: Muguruza in 2
John
The Spaniard and American play for the 2nd time at a major this year, with Muguruza easily winning their first matchup in the 2nd Round of the Australian Open, dropping just 5 games. Lepchenko went winless during the grasscourt tune-up events, but can trouble the sometimes inconsistent 20th seed. I think Muguruza will emerge in what should be a close one.
Prediction: Muguruza in 3 sets.
Ana Konjuh vs Alize Cornet
John
The 17-year-old from Croatia overcame the weather to win Nottingham for her first WTA Tour level title, playing the final 3 matches in a day and a half. In facing Cornet, she sees the last player to defeat Serena Williams in a Slam, doing it here in Round 3 last year. A Round of 16 appearance in Paris was followed up by Round 1 losses in Birmingham and Eastbourne to Christina McHale and Alison Riske, respectively. In this matchup of power and youth vs guile and experience, I like the youngster to sneak through.
Prediction: Konjuh in 3 dramatic sets.
Linda
Cornet lost in the first round of both Birmingham and Eastbourne. In contrast, Konjuh won Nottingham. But Cornet is a tough competitor. I would go with Cornet in three.
Prediction: Cornet in 3
Niall
Konjuh played well to win Nottingham whilst Cornet is in poor form. The French woman made Round 4 last year, defeating Serena in the process. It should be close but I am going for the upset because of Cornet’s bad current form.
Prediction: Konjuh in 3
Timea Bacsinszky vs Julia Goerges
Niall
Timea’s comeback story has been one of the best of 2015, but he Swiss is not in her element on grass. With a big serve and powerful groundstrokes, there is no reason that Goerges cannot upset Bacsinszky. That said, Goerges’ tendency to lose the mental battle might be her downfall.
Prediction: Bacsinszky in 3
Linda
Bacsinszky is seeded #15 at this year’s tournament while Goerges is at a ranking of #56 on the WTA tour. After almost leaving the game for good Bacsinszky has rediscovered her love for the game and she has had an extremely successful year, at one point winning 15 matches in a row while claiming two titles. Bacsinszky likes to change the pace of the ball never letting her opponents get into any kind of rhythm. I think Bacsinszky’s game will adapt well to grass and her variety of shots and her court smarts will give her a straight sets win.
Prediction: Bacsinszky in 3
John
The Swiss plays her first major since her beakthrough in Paris, where reached the semifinals before losing to eventual champion Serena Williams in 3 sets. Goerges’ power should translate well on grass, but Bacsinszky is the steadier of the two and I think she takes this.
Prediction: Bacsinszky in 2 tight sets
Jelena Jankovic vs Vesnina
Niall
Vesnina was a very solid player at one stage but unfortunately she is a shadow of her old self. Jankovic is capable of playing really well or really bad, but this match should be in her hands. Vesnina might have a good day and take the Serb out, but I think Jankovic wins in 3.
Prediction: Jankovic in 3
Linda
In her grass court warm up tournament, Jankovic played in Birmingham where she lost in the third round to eventual champion Angelique Kerber. At a current ranking of #30 Jankovic is ranked significantly higher than Vesnina who is sitting at #89. As with any Jankovic match there is sure to be some drama but I think she will come out on top in straight sets.
Prediction: Jankovic in 2
John
Jankovic leads their H2H 5-1, with Vesnina’s lone win coming in their last meeting last year in New Haven. The Serb reached the semifinals of ‘s-Hertogenbosch and the 3rd Round of Birmingham and that’s enough to convince me that although her stay in the Championships won’t be long, it won’t end here.
Prediction: Jankovic in 2 sets
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