Day 2 of the WTA Birmingham Classic sees the rest of the draw take to the court in the round of 32. Among those hoping to make a solid start to their grass court swing is #2 seed Ons Jabeur. We take a look at how the Tunisian and the rest of the players in action should fare 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
Anastasia Potapova vs Nina Stojanovic
Head-to-head: First meeting
Anastasia Potopova remains a promising young prospect in the women’s game despite struggling in recent months. Those struggles are largely due to injury and it is only a matter of time before she gets back in track. Nina Stojanovic is a tricky first round opponent for the Russian. She plays big off both wings and can be a handful when her game is clicking. Nonetheless, Potopova is the better player and should have enough to win this one.
Prediction: Potopova in 3
Madison Brengle vs Marta Kostyuk
Head-to-head: First meeting
Madison Brengle is in good form after a surprisingly good showing at Roland Garros. The American has had a solid but unspectacular career but is a tough opponent on her day. Facing her is Marta Kostyuk. The Ukrainian is one of the rising stars in women’s tennis. At just 18 years old, she could develop into something special. Kostyuk has a higher ceiling and is in better form. She should take this despite a lack of experience on grass
Prediction: Kostyuk in 2
Shuai Zhang vs Vitalia Diatchenko
Head-to-head: 1 – 0 Zhang
This should be a relatively straightforward match for Shuai Zhang despite her lack of form. She has more to her game than Vitalia Diatchenko and her greater experience at tour level should allow her to win this match relatively comfortably. The Chinese star is in desperate need of some form and this is her chance to find it.
Prediction: Zhang in 2
Ons Jabeur vs Caty McNally
Head-to-head: 1 – 0 Jabeur
This has all the makings of an incredible grass court encounter. Both of these players have great variety and are more than comfortable coming forward and playing at the net. That should make for some great tennis in Birmingham. McNally has great potential and is yet to fully realise it, but she could give Jabeur real trouble here. Jabeur should come through, but I expect this to go the distance.
Prediction: Jabeur in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
