Day 2 of the Hobart International sends the top four seeds into action. Elise Mertens, Garbine Muguruza, Elena Rybakina and Zhang Shuai will be looking for a strong start. Also in action is France’s Caroline Garcia, the eighth seed. We’ll be predicting Tuesday’s remaining opening round matches. Who’s moving on to the Round of 16?
Hobart International Day 2 Predictions
Elena Rybakina vs Tamara Zidansek
Head to head: First meeting
After a remarkable performance in China (finalist), Elena Rybakina is off to an excellent start in 2020. The Kazakh’s deep, penetrating returns and powerful backhand wing is devastating to many an opponent. Her calm and mature performances belie her 20 years. Now sitting at World #30, you can expect her ranking to climb. Seeded third, Rybakina starts her title quest against Slovenia’s Tamara Zidansek. It should be a comfortable win for the Kazakh.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Lizette Cabrera vs Caroline Garcia
Head to head: First meeting
At times, it’s easy to see the form and finesse which propelled Caroline Garcia to World #4. Yet, that form is far from her current status. The Frenchwoman who Sir Andy Murray predicted would some day be World #1 fell in Auckland to Canada’s Eugenie Bouchard 6-4, 6-4. It was a sensational upset for the Canadian – and a bitter disappointment for the Hobart eighth seed. Opening her Hobart campaign against relative unknown Lizette Cabrera may be just what the doctor ordered.
Australian Lizette Cabrera will undoubtedly have the support of the crowd, along with her doubles partner Sam Stosur. While most of her play is confined to ITF events, she’s sure to delight the Aussies who love their tennis. It will obviously be a big moment for the 22-year-old. However, it’s doubtful she’ll make any inroads into the Garcia game.
Prediction: Garcia in 2
CiCi Bellis vs Marie Bouzkova
Head to head: Bellis 1-0 Bouzkova (Challenger)
CiCi Bellis, the teen phenom, has spent the last few years dealing injuries and surgeries. 2017 saw the rising star waylaid when she felt her elbow crack and was diagnosed with tears in her wrist and that one of the wrist bones was too long. Is 2020 the year in which the American can reclaim the momentum and move back into the Top 50?
Let’s see if spending the off season working on strength and endurance will continue Marie Bouzkova’s upward trajectory. After a breakout 2019, the Czech will be on the hunt for a title. Now she’s sure that she’s earned her place among the game’s elite, the 21-year-old should be moving up from her current place in the 50’s to Top 25. This match seems a great place to start.
Prediction: Bouzkova in 2
Wang Yafan vs Garbine Muguruza
Head to head: First meeting
Perhaps Conchita Martinez can get Garbine Muguruza back on track. After far too many losses in 2019, the Spaniard split with Sam Sumyk after Wimbledon. And, not much improved post-split for the former World #1 and two-time Slam winner. Will Martinez motivate Muguruza? Seems many of her losses are mental lapses and she doesn’t lack the talent which propelled her to the top of the game. Shenzhen was a good start to 2020, reaching the semifinals before falling to Alexandrova Ekaterina.
Wang Yafan can frustrate with her crafty and consistent style. That is precisely what the Chinese will count on to make some headway into 2020. Yet, the Spaniard is simply too strong and should be able to move through with a straight sets win.
Prediction: Muguruza in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
