Day 4 of the Palermo Ladies Open will see the end of the round of 16 and the transition to the “business end” of this WTA International level event. Kiki Bertens is back in action after dominating her first-round matchup along with third seed and rising star Viktoria Kuzmova.
Palermo Open Day 4 Predictions
Kiki Bertens vs Aleksandra Krunic
Head to head: Bertens 2-0
These two have played twice with Kiki Bertens coming out victorious each time. Both matches were straight-set affairs on clay, with the last match on the green clay of Charleston in 2018. Kiki Bertens was dominant with a 6-0 6-1 victory in her last match, but Krunic was also a straight-sets victor. Past encounters are not always the best indicator for an upcoming match, but considering both matches were on clay and Bertens’ consistency, expect a victory for the #1 seed.
Prediction: Bertens in 2
Irina-Camelia Begu vs Jasmine Paolini
Head to head: No history
Neither player has had a particularly impressive year. Begu is a former world #22 and has won four titles, so she will have the experience factor on her side. Paolini seems to prefer clay and has put together a few wins on the surface this year. However, Irina-Camelia Begu should win this encounter due to her experience, but her inconsistent form may make this match close.
Prediction: Begu in 3
Viktoria Kuzmova vs Arantxa Rus
Head to head: 1-1
These two have played twice and split both encounters on hard courts. It is tough to tell how much the surface change will factor into this match. Rus is 7-3 in her last ten matches and is playing very well at the moment. Kuzmova’s win over Ruse was in the Auckland final so she should have experience handling any potential nerves against this opponent. While Kuzmova recently struggled on the grass, she has shown the ability to play on clay with 2 wins at the French Open and three wins on clay since then. This match should go the distance.
Prediction: Rus in 3
Fanny Stollar vs Paula Badosa Gibert
Head to head: 1-0 Badosa Gibert
Fanny Stollar has done well to get to this point after entering the tournament as a qualifier. She has made the most out of being granted a “lucky loser” spot in the draw after another player pulled out. With a victory against a clay court veteran in Sara Errani, she will fancy her chances against Badosa Gibert. However, Paula Badosa Gibert is coming off a win against a quality opponent in Pauline Parmentier and owns a victory against Stollar.
Prediction: Badosa Gibert in 2
Main Photo:
