Tuesday’s action in Birmingham sees the rest of the field take to the courts for their first round matches. The tournament is the perfect stepping stone for Wimbledon and all involved will be hoping to gather momentum ahead of the third Grand Slam of the year. We take a look at who is best poised to do just that in our WTA Birmingham Classic Day 2 Predictions. We also predict the day’s other matches in a separate article.
WTA Birmingham Classic Day 2 Predictions
Lauren Davis vs Jelena Ostapenko
Head-to-head:
This match could be an entertaining watch. Lauren Davis is a great mover and counterpuncher who can be a handful. By contrast, Jelena Ostapenko tends to hit the cover off the ball come hell or high water with varying success. When she’s on, the Latvian is often too much to handle for even the best in the women’s game. She is due a good run and I expect her to do well this week. She should win this relatively comfortably.
Predictios: Ostapenko in 2
Leylah Fernandez vs Yafan Wang
Head-to-head:
Yafan Wang continues to struggle after showing real promise in 2019. If not for protected rankings, she would likely be on the outside of the top 100 looking in. By contrast, Fernandez continues to impress and looks like a surefire star of the future. The Canadian is the better player and in better form. As such, she should win this pretty easily.
prediction: Fernandez in 2
Fiona Ferro vs Kristina Mladenovic
Head-to-head:
This all-French affair pitches two players on contrasting trajectories against each other. Fiona Ferro has been one of the better players on the WTA tour over the last 12 months. Meanwhile, Mladenovic has struggled to climb back to the peak of her powers in the singles game. Ferro has more weapons in her arsenal and is more confident in her game at the moment. That should be enough to see her through this match.
Prediction: Ferro in 3
Daria Kasatkina vs Palona Hercog
Head-to-head:
Daria Kasatkina is enjoying an incredible resurgence in 2021. The former World #10 looks like a real threat to return to those heights if she can keep up this level of play. In Palona Hercog she faves a dangerous grass court opponent. Hercog has a mean slice and a big serve which make her a tough test on the quick grass courts. However, Kasatkina’s level has been too good this year for me to pick against her.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
