Playing indoor tennis is likely to be a blessing when the outdoor temperature is -1 degree Celsius. For those coming over from Indian Wells recently it will certainly be a shock, especially when the altitude is thrown in as well. But who will adapt well to the indoor venue and the thin air? We look at the day’s matches in our WTA Courmayeur Day 1 Predictions–four matches in this article, and four in a separate article.
WTA Courmayeur Day 1 Predictions
Dayana Yastremska vs Vitalia Diatchenko
Head-to-head: First meeting
The Ukrainian has been less than impressive since returning to the game following her overturned provisional doping suspension. It is a shame because she was looking to be a real prospect after winning three WTA tournaments in quick succession. However, she will surely like her chances of doing well in Italy this week. This opening match won’t be easy, but Diatchenko has a 2-7 career main draw record in indoor events on the WTA Tour. With the altitude she could find Yastremska’s pace too much, as long as the Ukrainian can adapt to the conditions quickly enough.
Prediction: Yastremska in 2
Urszula Radwanska vs Magdalena Frech
Head-to-head: first meeting
This all-Polish encounter represents Frech’s first match as a Top 100 player. She has gone in a positive direction recently, whereas Radwanska’s ranking is now outside the top 200 from her high way back in 2012. Frech is one of the players coming direct to here from Indian Wells so her adaptability will be key here. Radwanska played two qualifying matches, but lost the last one comfortably so I don’t know how much of an advantage it will prove to be here. I think Frech will win and cement her top 100 ranking this week after adapting to the new conditions.
Prediction: Frech in 3
Giulia Gatto-Monticone vs Martina Caregaro
Head-to-head: Caregaro 3-2 Gatto-Monticone
These two Italian ladies will be familiar with each other from their continuous battles on the clay of Santa Margherita di Pula on the ITF circuit. That venue is used extensively and four of their five matches have been played there, but this will be a totally different challenge for both players. This match will mark Caregaro’s first WTA tour match and I think that Gatto-Monticone’s greater experience and much better record on indoor hard courts will shine through and take her to the win.
Prediction: Gatto-Monticone in 2
Clara Tauson vs Stefanie Voegele
Head-to-head: first meeting
The Dane is one of the tournament favorites here and I expect she will find this a good tune-up win. The conditions should be perfect for her powerful serve and groundstrokes and she can use this match to find the best way to control those shots to keep them inside the baseline. Voegele has lost five in a row indoors and four in a row in the opening round so it would be a surprise if the Swiss was to find her timing here.
Prediction: Tauson in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
