In this second set of WTA Kremlin Cup day 2 predictions, we take a look at the remaining three matches taking place on Tuesday. Olympic silver medallist Marketa Vondrousova takes on Elena Rybakina in the headline matchup. Both are contenders for the title and will weaken the remaining field considerably by knocking out their opponent this early. Also taking to the court on Tuesday are the likes of Andrea Petkovic and Anett Kontaveit. As ever, we take a look at who should emerge victorious from each of the matches played. Be sure to check the other predictions article for the remaining four matches taking place on day 2.
WTA Kremlin Cup Day 2 Predictions
Anett Kontaveit vs Katerina Siniakova
Head-to-head: 3 – 1 Kontaveit
Anett Kontaveit is the clear favourite here. Her immense power off of both wings makes her a tough out on any day. The fast indoor courts of Moscow make besting her an even tougher ask, particularly for someone like Katerina Siniakova who lacks real power. The Czech does everything well but has no real standout weapons to deploy here. She is brilliant at the net but likely won’t be able to boss the baseline enough to create opportunities to come forward. Kontaveit has won two titles this year and is in super form at the moment. The Estonian should win this comfortably and has to be a favourite to go all the way given her recent form.
Prediction: Kontaveit in 2
Embed from Getty Images
Andrea Petkovic vs Jelena Ostapenko
Head-to-head: 2 – 1 Ostapenko
Jelena Ostapenko appears to have rediscovered the tennis that saw her crowned French Open champion in 2017. The Latvian is one of the fiercest ball-strikers on tour and almost impossible to play against when her game is on song. Her serve has been a glaring weakness in recent years, but she appears to have taken steps to address it and shore up her second serve. Andrea Petkovic is a tricky first round opponent who has power of her own and moves well around the court. However, the German isn’t in great form and it’s hard to see her being able to live with Ostapenko’s power off the ground here. If Petkovic serves well this could be tight, but Ostapenko should come out on top in the end either way.
Prediction: Ostapenko in 2
Embed from Getty Images
Marketa Vondrousova vs Elena Rybakina
Head-to-head: First meeting
Tennis IQ and court craft meets power in abundance in this tantalising first round encounter. Rybakina has shown in recent months why so many in the tennis world were excited about her last year. The Kazakh national who was born in Russia has been superb in the second half of the year and is brilliant to watch when her game is clicking. She has effortless power and an immense serve that will come in handy on these courts. However, she must be patient in deciding when to pull the trigger off the ground against Vondrousova. The Czech has great variety and will undoubtedly mix things up in an attempt to throw Rybakina off her rhythm. If the Kazakh can be patient and pick her moments well she wins, if not she loses badly behind a slew of unforced errors. Either way the match is on her racket and so she gets the nod from me.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
