Day 2 in Istanbul features Turkey’s own Cagla Buyukakcay in action, along with Kristina Mladenovic and Vera Zvonareva. Here is your look at the action, we also have predictions for every WTA match in Istanbul on Tuesday.
Kristina Mladenovic vs Barbara Haas
Barbara Haas was solid to qualify but has limited experience at this level and a limited resume this season. Mladenovic has started a subpar 5-10 but a match against the inexperienced Haas presents an opportunity for Mladenovic to build some momentum. Mladnenovic in 2
Elise Mertens vs Lara Arruabarrena
14-5 to start the year with a WTA title, and solid on clay, Mertens will be formidable for anyone in this draw. Arruabarrena reached the quarters in Bogota and qualified for this event, but the difference in caliber between these players is relatively stark. Mertens in 2
Vera Zvonareva vs Polona Hercog
Two veteran players who are years away from their best, Zvonareva was top 5 over a decade ago, Hercog was top 40 in the same time frame. Hercog started just 1-5 at the WTA level in 2021 but did win an ITF event on clay leading into Istanbul, Zvonareva is 6-5 to start the year including the semis in St. Petersburg at home. Zvonareva has played better this season and I’ll give her the edge to even the h2h 1-1. Hercog may be dealing with fatigue as well. Zvonareva in 3
Cagla Buyukakcay vs Barbora Krejcikova
The pair have split meetings with Krejcikova winning on clay. Krejcikova is a week removed from her career high ranking of 38 after finals in Dubai and a 10-6 record in 2021. The Dubai result was the biggest of her career. Buyukakcay hasn’t won a WTA level match this season and is at least two years removed from the highest level of tennis. Home court advantage aside, Krejcikova has every other advantage. Krejcikova in 2
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