Day 2 of the Mallorca Open is being billed as “Super Tuesday” and with good reason. A superstar list of talent will take to the grass on Tuesday. Opening round play will continue and we will see top seed Angelique Kerber, 2018 finalist Anastasija Sevastova, teenage phenom Amanda Anisimova and former World #1s Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka, among others. Who will come through and who will be packing their bags? Let’s predict who will claim a second round spot. (In addition to this set of predictions, we also have predictions for four more Day 2 matches, featuring Victoria Azarenka vs Caroline Garcia.)
Vavara Lepchenko vs Anastasija Sevastova
Head to head: Lepchenko 1-2 Sevastova
Vavara Lepchenko claimed a main draw spot through qualifiers. The American has spent some time on the grass at Santa Ponsa Tennis Academy as both matches were pushed to a decider. Probably not the way Lepchenko wanted to play them, though certainly the outcome she’d hoped for. Lepchenko has talent but it comes in fits and starts. It’s this lack of consistency and perhaps focus, which sees her off early in most tournaments.
Anastasija Sevastova currently sits at World #12. The Latvian has had a up and down 2019, producing good results at one tournament only to see a first round elimination at the next. Perhaps this is the tournament where we’ll see an up. After all, she is the 2017 Mallorca Open champion and the 2018 finalist.
With Lepchenko’s inconsistent play and Sevastova’s solid results in Mallorca, I’m looking at Sevastova for a straight sets win.
Prediction: Svastova in 2
Saisai Zheng vs Samantha Stosur
Head to head: No history
Most of Zheng’s good results are found on the doubles court. While she absorbs pace well, I doubt she’ll be prepared from the power she’ll face from the Stosur forehand. A true weapon, Stosur can push back even the most experienced and powerful opponents. Unless Zheng is prepared to find the weaker backhand wing, this match will quickly slip away.
Sam Stosur is another player experiencing most of her good results on the doubles court. It has honed her net play but it’s not translating to singles as the Aussie had hoped. Stosur will continue to find success against lesser ranked opponents, which should secure her second round spot. Yet, it’s doubtful she’ll make a deep run against this stellar field.
Prediction: Stosur in 2
Tereza Martincova vs Amanda Anisimova
Head to head: No history
Teen phenom Amanda Anisimova is having a break out year. Her effortless power and ability to open up the court has challenged top tier players. Spraying winners off both wings, from nearly anywhere on the court should allow the young American a deep run in Mallorca.
Tereza Martincova reached the main draw through qualifiers. It was a spectacular level which allowed her to defeat American Christina McHale. The Czech is faring better in Spain than she did in Great Britain, turning in a first round qualifying loss in Nottingham. A win over McHale is certainly an accomplishment. But, a win over Anisimova is a near-impossible feat.
Prediction: Anisimova in 2
Viktoria Kuzmova vs Maria Sharapova
Head to head: No history
Viktoria Kuzmova’s first round exit at Rosmalen is somewhat of an anomaly. The Slov is a solid grass court player. She plays with the confidence and skill which belies her 21 years, a mental toughness beyond her years.
The Mallorca Open marks Maria Sharapova’s return from injury. Sharapova has been absent from the WTA tour since the St. Petersburg Open in January. Before this recent injury absence, Sharapova looked to in good form. The former World #1 has won multiple tournaments on grass, including the Birmingham Classic and Wimbledon. The potential certainly exists, but it’s doubtful that Sharapova is tournament ready.
This will be a true contest. Kuzmova is in good form and undoubtedly has talent. A Sharapova victory would be certain if she had some tournaments under her belt. It’s the Sharapova serve which may falter in this match. I give the edge to Kuzmova, who’s competition ready.
Prediction: Kuzmova in 3
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
Disagree with our predictions for Day 2? Leave your thoughts in the comments.
