Amongst others, the world #1 and 2019 French Open champion is action on day three at the WTA Stuttgart Grand Prix. She will be hoping to prove herself on clay after not playing on the surface at all in 2020. There are seven matches in total on the slate and as ever we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions across the board, including Petra Kvitova vs Maria Sakkari. But who will advance?
WTA Stuttgart Grand Prix Day Three Predictions
Ekaterine Gorgodze vs Angelique Kerber
Head-to-head: first meeting
Ekaterina Gorgodze is another lucky loser in the main draw in Stuttgart. She faces Angelique Kerber, who looks to be revitalised ahead of her 2021 campaign after a disappointing 2020. Kerber’s court coverage and counterpunch abilities make her a very tough opponent on clay. The German is far from her best, but has shown enough this year to make me believe she should win this match relatively comfortably.
Prediction: Kerber in 2
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Sofia Kenin vs Anett Kontaveit
Head-to-head: first meeting
Sofia Kenin has had a poor 2021 by her lofty standards. The 2020 WTA Player of the Year failed to defend her Australian Open title and has done little of note so far this year, Things don’t get any easier for her in Stuttgart either, with her first match being against an in-form Anett Kontaveit. The Estonian made shot work of German qualifier Julia Middendorf in her first match and will be eyeing another win here against a below-par Kenin.
The American has given little reason to believe last year was not a once off so far in 2021, so expect Kontaveit to win here. The Estonian has the weapons to hurt anyone on the WTA Tour on her day and Kenin has a long way to go to reach the heights she did in 2020.
Prediction: Kontaveit in 2
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Ashleigh Barty vs Laura Siegemund
Head-to-head: Barty 1-0 Siegemund
This is a great first test on clay for Ashleigh Barty, who hasn’t played on the surface since 2019. She won the French Open that year, but barely featured on the tour in 2020. That being said, she has reminded us all why she is the world #1 with some great showings so far this year. Fresh off a title defense in Miami, the Aussie will be full of confidence entering the action in Stuttgart.
Siegemund is a more than capable player and did well to come through a tough test against Mona Barthel in the first round. However, Barty is a step up and is likely one step to far for the German on this occasion. Barty’s sliced backhand should wreak havoc in Stuttgart and assist her in moving on to the next round here.
Prediction: Barty in 2
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