The WTA ASB Classic 2019 in Auckland will see the return of 2018 Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki. The Dane finished runner-up last year to Julia Goerges at this event.
Goerges had opened up her title defense on New Year’s Day with a clinical performance, dispatching Johanna Larsson 6-0 6-4.
Venus Williams withstood a brave fightback from Victoria Azarenka to win the battle of former World No. 1s. The American, at the age of 38, won impressively 6-3 1-6 6-3.
Two more Americans also progressed to Round 2. Amanda Anisimova had won won the first set against Jana Cepelova, before the Czech was forced to retire due to injury. Anisimova, of whom big things are expected this year, will be one to keep an eye on.
Sofia Kenin saw off Petra Martic in three sets to book a meeting in the next round against Viktoria Kuzmova.
Here are the standout matches to keep an eye on Day 3, with predictions.
Caroline Wozniacki vs Laura Siegemund
Wozniacki’s preparation for this year’s tournament was hampered by the postponement of her flight to Auckland. Although she did get an extra day off, she will need to hit ht ground running as she is defending so many points this month. Wozniacki will be playing the lucky loser Laura Siegemund of Germany who has been severely bothered by injuries for the last 18 months. Judging by the number of upsets we have seen already, I won’t be surprised to see another one here.
Prediction: Siegemund in 3
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Bibiane Schoofs vs Eugenie Bouchard
Eugenie Bouchard’s official partnership with coach Michael Joyce has started well, beating Madison Brengle in straight sets. She is playing Bibiane Schoofs who has majorly been playing ITF and WTA 125K events. Schoofs won three qualifying matches, and it is not often you get a main draw appearance when you are outside the top 100. This is their first ever meeting, and I think Schoofs will want this more.
Prediction: Schoofs in 3
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Julia Goerges vs Mona Barthel
Julia Goerges loves playing in Auckland. Since 2010, she has always participated at this tournament. She finished runner-up in 2016, and won the title last year. The manner in which she beat Larsson almost felt like a statement win. Goerges has the best serve on tour after Serena, and Pliskova. When her serve is working, it feels like her game is complete. Barthel does have a big serve but she is does make erratic mistakes. This is a first meeting in 6 years. Goerges is a clear favorite in this one.
Prediction: Goerges in 2
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Sara Sorribes Tormo vs Kirsten Flipkens
Sara Sorribes Tormo won a rare ITF event at the back end of last year. She is a massive underdog here to beat Flipkens. One thing the Belgian does so well is using that backhand slice. Most WTA players just can’t deal with a sliced ball. Sorribes Tormo has a similar playing style to Maria Sakkari, vey powerful serve and forehand. Flipkens struggles with power players, and I think the young Spaniard is a smart pick here as an underdog.
Prediction: Sara Sorribes Tormo in 3
