We are up to Day 3 of the WTA Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, Ohio. The slate is full of incredible matches. Wednesday in the Queen City is a tennis fan’s dream. We’re here at LWOT, as always, to offer our thoughts on every match for you. Who do you think will win?
WTA Cincinnati Day 3 Predictions
Petra Kvitova vs Veronika Kudermetova
Kudermetova might not consistently play at the level she’s capable of, but she’s an impressive player when her game is on. Kvitova, meanwhile, is a two-time Wimbledon champion and one of the best in the world. The Czech can’t quite keep to her Major-winning heights consistently, but she loves faster courts and is playing pretty well right now. She should have the advantage here.
Prediction: Kvitova in 2
Victoria Azarenka vs Alison Riske
Azarenka has never reclaimed her place at the top of the game after returning from pregnancy and a custody battle. She still wins more than she loses, and she plays well on faster courts. Riske, meanwhile, is still better on grass than other surfaces, and her game won’t mess with Azarenka’s here.
Prediction: Azarenka in 2
Coco Gauff vs Naomi Osaka
This is the kind of matchup that tennis fans and media dream of. Two of the most popular and most talented players on tour will face off on Center Court in Cincinnati. Osaka’s first press conference back since her French Open saga might have gone somewhat poorly, but that doesn’t mean it will affect her form at all. She’s playing well, and on these fast hard courts just about no one can beat her. Gauff is still improving and looking more like a future World #1 every day, but she’s still not a match for Osaka in full flight. If the Japanese woman plays well, she wins.
Prediction: Osaka in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
