Day 2 of WTA Auckland is here and we are set for some awesome tennis! Who will have a strong start to the year and who will fall short? Read on to find out! We also have predictions for four other matches, including Serena Williams’ opening match.
WTA Auckland Day 2 Predictions
Usue Maitane Arconada vs Petra Martic
Head to Head: never played
Usue Maitane Arconada takes on Petra Martic with a spot in the second round of Auckland on the line. Usue Maitane Arconada, into the tournament as a lucky loser, is very good on defense and counterpunches pretty well. However, she does not have much power in her game. Petra Martic, who is at a career high ranking of World No. 15, has a big, heavy forehand that can overwhelm opponents. Martic’s backhand is solid, as well.
These two have never played before. Martic has the game to hit through Arconada’s defenses and overwhelm her opponent. While Arconada did well to qualify, the road ends here for her. Martic advances.
Prediction: Martic in 2
Christina McHale vs Ann Li
Head to Head: never played
Christina McHale battles Ann Li in the Auckland first round. McHale is very solid from the baseline and is solid ball striker. Li, who is 19 years old, came through qualifying without losing a set and is very dangerous in this matchup.
These two have never played before. Given how Li played in qualifying, combined with some rust from this being McHale’s first match of the season, this has upset written all over it. Li advances.
Prediction: Li in 3
Lauren Davis vs Varvara Lepchenko
Head to Head: tied 3-3
Lauren Davis and Varvara Lepchenko will battle for a spot in the second round of Auckland. Lauren Davis is a very good counterpuncher who can challenge the best in the game when she’s playing well. Varvara Lepchenko, who qualified for the tournament, tries to dictate with her lefty forehand. Lepchenko had a very impressive win in the final qualifying round, beating Caty McNally in three sets.
These two are tied 3-3 in the head to head, although Davis has won the last two matches. Given Lepchenko’s impressive win over Lepchenko, and given that this is Davis’ first match of the season, expect Lepchenko to get the win here.
Prediction: Lepchenko in 3
Amanda Anisimova vs Kateryna Kozlova
Head to Head: never played
Amanda Anisimova takes on Katerina Kozlova for a spot in the second round of Auckland. Amanda Anisimova had a breakthrough season in 2019, winning her first WTA title in Bogota and coming within one set of reaching the French Open final. Anisimova hits big, clean groundstrokes from both wings. Kateryna Kozlova lost in straight sets in the first round of Limoges in December. Kozlova is a solid player from the baseline, but doesn’t have any big weapons.
These two have never played before. Anisimova is one of the young players to watch out for in the 2020 season and expect her to overpower Kozlova in this one. Anisimova advances.
Prediction: Anisimova in 2
Main photo from Getty.
