The WTA Melbourne Summer Set continues with its two tournaments this week, and as always we at LWOT are here to predict all of the matches. We’re looking at the tournament dubbed “Melbourne 2” in this set of predictions. There are eight matches on Day 2, so we look at four matches in this article and four in a separate article.
WTA Melbourne Summer Set 2 Day 2 Predictions
Lesley Pattinama Kerkhove vs Seone Mendez
This is one of the weaker matches of the first round. Mendez is ranked outside the Top 200 and rarely features in main draws of WTA Tour events. Pattinama Kerkhove, meanwhile, is ranked outside the Top 150, though she is definitely the superior player in this matchup. Her ranking is where it’s at for a reason, though, so it’s hard to count on her to play so well in any given match.
Prediction: Pattinama Kerkhove in 2
Anastasia Potapova vs Lizette Cabrera
Potapova had a relatively poor year in 2021, but she kept her ranking inside the Top 100. Cabrera, meanwhile, played well enough, but mostly at lower levels than on the main WTA Tour. She probably has a bit more confidence than Potapova coming into this match, but the Russian on average is a better player.
Prediction: Potapova in 3
Madison Brengle vs Nao Hibino
This could be a pretty fun match. Both usually stick at around the same ranking, though Hibino’s dropped a bit at the end of 2021. Still, the Japanese player looked good in qualifying against Katarzyna Kawa. Brengle, meanwhile, dropped down to lower events at the end of 2021 and was very impressive there. Neither player is a world-beater here, but this is a very good match for both to start the year with.
Prediction: Hibino in 3
Veronika Kudermetova vs Viktoria Kuzmova
Kuzmova played well in parts of last year, and she has enormous talent, but she hasn’t managed to put her whole game together yet. Kudermetova, meanwhile, is a strong player who is near the elites of the game. Expect the Russian to try to fine-tune her form before the first Major of the year.
Prediction: Kudermetova in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
