WTA Chicago produced a couple of really exciting battles on Day 1 and the crowds will be hoping for more of the same on Day 2. As always, we share our thoughts on all the matches including matches featuring Venus Williams and Marketa Vondrousova . Who do you think will win Monday in Chicago?
WTA Chicago Day 2 Predictions
Fiona Ferro vs Aldila Sutjiadi
Head-to-Head Record: First meeting
Sutjiadi is making some waves here in Chicago. The U.S.-based Indonesian has qualified for a WTA250 event for the first time at the age of 26. The former Kentucky Wildcat will be feeling a lot of confidence in her game as a result so this will not be a walkover for Ferro. However, Ferro isn’t in bad form so the quality gap in the players will probably tell over the course of the match. I like Ferro to progress here.
Prediction: Ferro in 2
Elina Svitolina vs Clara Burel
Head-to-Head Record: First meeting
It is Burel who lost to Sutjiadi in qualifying but the young Frenchwoman has received a lucky loser slot in the draw. It would be a surprise if Burel progressed further though as Svitolina has won her last four first-round matches and has won nine consecutively at WTA250 level, having won in Strasbourg and Monterrey in her last two WTA250 events. The Ukrainian should have too much for the young Frenchwoman.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Alison Van Uytvanck vs Nao Hibino
Head-to-Head Record: First Meeting
Van Uytvanck has struggled mightily recently, though she had a few good runs on grass. She has also played decently well against tough competition, but she hasn’t managed to pick up any upset wins. Luckily for her, Hibino has been struggling even worse. She hasn’t been winning matches, and she interrupted her season to play at her home Olympics in Tokyo. She lost in the first round there in both singles and doubles. This match may come down to who plays worse, but Van Uytvnack has the advantage.
Prediction: Van Uytvnack in 2
Ann Li vs Alize Cornet
Head-to-Head Record: Li 1-0 Cornet
This is an intriguing match. Li played in Chicago last week for the Challenger event here and played well, reaching the semifinals so she is in good touch and not had to travel anywhere. Cornet certainly still has something to give to this game though, despite the fact that she is 32 on her next birthday. She recently reached a semifinal at WTA500 level so she will have her eyes on the prize here to confirm her status on tour. However, Li’s recent form on hard court, her victory over Cornet at the Australian Open this year and her more solid game make me lean towards the American for this match.
Prediction: Li in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
