Tuesday saw further rain interruptions in Nurnberg. This means that some of Monday’s matches roll over into Wednesday. With Monday’s predictions sitting at two for two, it’s tenterhooks time. Should play catch up on Day 4, then there is a bit of national pride at stake. There is an all-Russian encounter between Veronika Kudermetova and Ekaterina Alexandrova, and a home-country clash featuring Anna-Lena Friedsam and Andrea Petkovic. The latter encounter ensures that a German is in the quarterfinals, something that should help boost attendances. Here are predictions for some of Wednesday’s scheduled matches.
WTA Nurnberg Day 4 Predictions
Veronika Kudermetova vs Ekaterina Alexandrova
No History
24-year-old World #60 Ekaterina Alexandrova snapped a seven-match losing streak when she comfortably beat Jana Cepelova 6-4 6-2 in the first round. Her fellow Russian Veronika Kudermetova snapped a 3 match losing streak herself by dispatching compatriot Vitali Diatchenko in the first round also. Despite conceding 14 ranking places to her opponent, Kudermetova is arguably the better prospect and the better mover on clay. This should see her through to the quarterfinals.
Prediction: Kudermetova in 2
Yulia Putintseva vs Mona Barthel
Head-to-head: Barthel 2-0 Putintseva
2013 and 2014 hard court victories give the German Mona Barthel the historic edge over #1 seed Yulia Putintseva. That said, Barthel really struggled to beat Paula Ormaechea in three sets in the first round here.
Yulia Putintseva is a far more well-rounded player now than she was in 2014. Last year’s French Open quarterfinalist will also find the clay surface more to her liking. Putintseva’s last two defeats have been against Petra Kvitova and Ashleigh Barty. Putintseva is 4-3 on clay for the season and should get the win to ensure a plus record going into the French Open.
Prediction: Putintseva in 3
Nina Stojanovic vs Sara Sorribes Tormo
Serbian qualifier and World #247 Nina Stojanovic is 5-1 on clay for the season, including the Saint-Gaudens ITF event. She looked impressive in qualifying for Nurnberg. Stojanovic beat last year’s champion Alison Riske in the first round. Sara Sorribes Tormo herself has a plus record on clay for the season at 8-6, and had a good victory in Round 1 over the promising Vera Lapko. A game of high quality clay tennis is in the offing. Sorribes Tormo’s greater WTA experience may just give her the edge.
Prediction: Sorribes Tormo in 3
Anna-Lena Friedsam vs Andrea Petkovic
No history
Playing a set more than Petkovic in the first round, Anna-Lena Friedsam had the trickier first-round matchup against Irina-Camilia Begu of Romania. However, Petkovic is starting to look sharp and often ups her game in front of her home crowd. This should be enough to edge the match her way.
Prediction: Petkovic in 3
Main Photo from Getty
