The weather at the WTA Houston Challenger delayed three matches, which will resume today. Bethanie Mattek-Sands will be looking to build on her first set win and move on in straight sets.
Here’s a look at Day 3 matches and predictions for who will be moving on.
WTA Houston Challenger Day 3 Predictions
Hailey Baptiste vs Kirsten Flipkens
Head to head: First meeting
The huge gap in WTA rankings would certainly seem to favor Kirsten Flipkens in this second round match. But, I don’t count out Hailey Baptiste that easily. The Washington DC native impressed at the Citi Open this summer. Showing composure far beyond her 18 years, Baptiste exited compatriot Madison Keys in the first round in Washington.
The veteran Dutchwoman will be looking for a deep run in Houston. The no. three seed had a disappointing result in Las Vegas. Yet, Flipkens run to the finals at Toronto’s challenger a few weeks ago should be a confidence booster, despite losing to Di Lorenzo. It won’t be an easy match, but Flipkins should have enough to battle through this one.
Prediction: Flipkins in 3
Katarina Jokic vs Kayla Day
Head to head: First meeting
Katarina Jokic opens her Houston campaign against American Kayla Day. The Georgia Bulldog has achieved success throughout her first two and half years, named ITA NCAA Division I National Player of the Year and ITA All-American honors. Yet, this is a much different challenge for the Serb. The Houston field is comprised of former Top 10 players, up and coming ‘young guns’ and will be a skill level above what college play offers. Yet, Jokic’s talent is undeniable and win or lose, this is a great opportunity for Jokic to gauge her skillset.
After falling in qualifiers, Kayla Day gained main draw entry thanks to Mayo Hibi’s withdrawal. The 20-year-old American is currently ranked World #434 after reaching a career high of #122 in June 2017. Day is yet to realize the potential which led her to secure the end-of-year No. 1 girls’ world ranking in 2016. Sure, there’s been some nice wins for Day but the high expectations haven’t been realized.
I expect Jokic to prod and probe Day until she finds a way to claim the first round win.
Prediction: Jokic in 2
CoCo Vandeweghe vs Sachia Vickery
Head to head: First meeting
Two power players meet in the second round in Houston. Coco Vandeweghe continues her comeback campaign with a first round win over Rice University standout Linda Huang. It was a comfortable win for Vandeweghe who dropped just five games en route to her victory.
Sachia Vickery opens her Houston campaign after receiving a first round bye. The #15 seed will find Vandeweghe a challenge if the big serve and heavy hitting continues. Vickery will look for first strike, aggressive tennis to bounce Vandeweghe. Yet, Vandeweghe will use her powerful groundstrokes to put Vickery on her back foot. This match depends on how Vandeweghe is playing – it’s hers to win if she’s on top of her game.
Prediction: Vandeweghe in 2
Eugenie Bouchard vs Francesca Di Lorenzo
Head to head: First meeting
Eugenie Bouchard has finally snapped her losing streak with a first round win. Finally, a win for Genie after losing 13 matches. Trailing in the first set, the Canadian rallied back forcing a tiebreak which she claimed 7-4. In the second set, Valentini Grammatikopoulou saved three match point before succumbing to Bouchard. It was a nice start for the struggling Canadian, who now faces Francesca Di Lorenzo.
Di Lorenzo is coming off a win at the W60 Toronto a few weeks ago. It was no easy feat as Di Lorenzo was pushed to a decider in three of her five matches. Combine that with three tiebreaks, and it’s obvious that DiLorenzo has the grit and determination to win. While Bouchard won’t be an easy day at the office, the American should be able to grind out this win.
Prediction: Di Lorenzo in 3
