With the Australian Open just a week away, the build-up tournament action continues in Melbourne on day two of the WTA Yarra Valley Classic. With Ash Barty and Sofia Kenin still to come, the second day sees Serena Williams and Karolina Pliskova begin their campaigns. But who will progress in Melbourne?
WTA Yarra Valley Classic Day 2 Predictions
Karolina Pliskova vs Elisabetta Cocciaretto
Third seed Pliskova received a bye, while Cocciaretto battled past Lin Zhu in the opening round. The Czech world #6 suffered a surprise early exit in her first 2021 outing in Abu Dhabi, but should be in better shape here having had more time to work with new coach Sascha Bajin. She should be too strong for her 132nd-ranked Italian opponent in the pair’s first meeting.
Prediction: Pliskova in 2
Olga Danilovic vs Greet Minnen
This first round encounter will be the first meeting between these two young players – who both qualified for the Australian Open in their only previous 2021 outings. Both struggled on the main WTA tour in 2020, but Serbian 20-year-old Danilovic earned more wins at ITF and Challenger level. While 23-year-old Belgian Minnen is currently ranked 73 spots higher at #110, Danilovic has been as high as #96 and her higher ceiling and potential may see her edge this.
Prediction: Danilovic in 3
Hsieh Su-Wei vs Alison Van Uytvanck
This opening round matchup sees world #68 Hsieh face Van Uytvanck, who is ranked three spots higher. The Belgian leads the head-to-head 2-1, but the last meeting came in 2014. Van Uytvanck had a slightly better 2020 season, but has not featured yet this year. Hsieh secured a good win against Marketa Vondrousova in Abu Dhabi, and her recent form and match experience could see her take this.
Prediction: Hsieh in 3
Serena Williams vs Daria Gavrilova
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Fifth seed Williams received a bye to the second round, while Gavrilova cruised past Viktoria Kuzmova. The Australian wildcard is ranked #451 after barely playing last year. Despite her impressive first round form, Gavrilova has failed to win a set against the American in three previous meetings. Williams will be determined to progress to gain match practice before the Australian Open and should be too strong.
Prediction: Williams in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
