Day 3 of the 2021 WTA Gippsland Trophy promises to produce plenty of stories and drama. Reigning French Open champion Iga Swiatek headlines a busy Tuesday at Melbourne Park. We also have a second article predicting the rest of the day’s matches.
WTA Gippsland Trophy Day 3 Predictions
Caroline Garcia vs Timea Babos
Head-to-head: Garcia 2-1 Babos
Caroline Garcia tends to start the Australian summer series in a funk. Historically, she has fared poorly Down Under. But after a straightforward opening round win over Arina Rodionova, maybe that should rekindle the confidence that she normally displays during the middle and end of the season. Garcia stayed perfect on break point conversion (3/3), and protected her own serve by saving three of five break points against the Australian wildcard. Garcia’s opponent Timea Babos has played herself into form in singles competition. First, she successfully qualified for the Australian Open. And then came out on top in a topsy-turvy affair against Patricia Maria Tig. It was her first singles win at tour-level in a long time. But it would be a real shock if the Hungarian was to back up that win on Tuesday.
Prediction: Garcia in 2
Aryna Sabalenka vs Kaia Kanepi
Head-to-head: first meeting
It has been refreshing to see Aryna Sabalenka dominate the WTA circuit for the last three months. The Belarusian keeps chalking up more milestones with each match win. She is in many eyes a genuine contender to lift the Australian Open in the next fortnight. That can wait for now, as Sabalenka eyes another title run at the Gippsland Trophy. She meets Kaia Kanepi, one of few players on tour who can match her in terms of sheer power from the baseline, and also in terms of title wins since the tour’s restart. The Estonian won three ITF titles during the second half of last season, but surprisingly struggled to put away Astra Sharma of Australia. Nothing seems to faze Sabalenka right now. If she comes out all guns blazing, this could turn into a very one-sided contest.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
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Johanna Konta vs Bernarda Pera
Head-to-head: Konta 1-2 Pera
This is Konta’s first match of the new season. But she was among the group of players afforded the luxury of five hours of practice while on quarantine. Her opponent Bernarda Pera has already featured in the build up to the Melbourne summer series. The American lefty overcame Olivia Gadecki of Australia 6-7 6-3 6-3, papering over the cracks of what was a really dreadful performance against a player with a four-digit ranking. Expect the Brit to roll into the next round.
Prediction: Konta in 3
Daria Kasatkina vs Polona Hercog
Head-to-head: first meeting
We are witnessing a rejuvenated Daria Kasatkina in 2021. It was a particularly poignant spell in the past two seasons for the Russian player who seems to have mastered every shot in the book. Against Polona Hercog, it will be a clash of styles. But the talented hands of Kasatkina should hold the edge in what could turn into a close contest.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 3
Iga Swiatek vs Kaja Juvan
Head-to-head: first meeting
This will be Iga Swiatek’s first match since becoming Poland’s first Grand Slam singles champion at last year’s French Open. The beaming smile behind the mask while holding the trophy was reminiscent to a child holding their favorite toy and you cannot fault her for taking an extended break. She has put a lot of work during the off-season. It will be interesting to see how she copes on court as she starts her 2021 season against Kaja Juvan. Juvan is a fiery 20-year-old who might fancy her chances of punishing any sort of complacency. But don’t expect the Pole’s level to drop down for far too long here.
Prediction: Swiatek in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
