The WTA Cincinnati Premier event kicks off on Monday. Who will move on? We give our thoughts on these matches, as well as plenty other WTA Cincinnati Day 1 matches.
Aryna Sabalenka vs Petra Martic
Both of these players have huge potential and have really shown it off at times this year. Both have also struggled a bit this year, though Sabalenka seems to be finding her hard court form now. With the surface favoring her and her playing better recently, I’m liking the Belorussian in this.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Aliaksandra Sasnovich vs Astra Sharma
It’s been very quiet, but Sasnovich is actually on an eight-match losing streak. She’s played well against some good opponents in that span, but also lost to some weaker opponents. Sharma is a former NCAA champion who will like this surface, and I think she adds another to the Belorussian’s streak.
Prediction: Sharma in 3
Bernarda Pera vs Veronika Kudermetova
Kudermetova last played in Bucharest, where she surprisingly (and abruptly) retired mid-match with an injury. How healthy will she be here? She clearly wants to get ready for the US Open, but is she ready? And how much will it do, against an American on a fast hard court. I like Pera in this, even without any injury concerns.
Prediction: Pera in 2
Svetlana Kuznetsova vs Anastasija Sevastova
Sevastova is a better player right now, especially as Kuznetsova seems to be in the twilight of her career. I’ll never be confident in picking against the 2004 US Open champion on this surface (she also won the 2009 French Open on clay), but injuries, bouts of poor play, and now ge have held her back so much. It’s hard to pick her, either.
Prediction: Sevastova in 3
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