Day 2 promises to be an entertaining one at the Abierto GNP Seguros in Monterrey. The action heats up during the night session as two of the biggest names in the draw are scheduled to begin their campaigns. The top seeded Elina Svitolina faces Anastasia Potapova, whilst last week’s Guadalajara champion Sloane Stephens takes on Mayar Sherif. Who will advance to round two? We also predictions for matches featuring Madison Keys vs Petra Martic.
Editors Note: The Elina Svitolina vs Anastasia Potapova match is scheduled, and we are predicting it. Svitolina has indicated that she is refusing to play due to the ongoing Russian invasion of her home country of Ukraine, and is asking the WTA, ATP, and ITF to follow the IOC in sanctioning Russia and Belarus, and players who represent those countries, but as of the time of publishing she is still in the draw.
WTA Monterrey Day 2 Predictions
Nuria Parrizas Diaz vs Misaki Doi
H2H: First meeting
Parrizas Diaz was comfortably beaten by Anna Karolina Schmiedlova in straight sets last week in Guadalajara. Misaki Doi also suffered a first round loss, beaten by eventual champion Marie Bouzkova in three tough sets. This looks like a winnable matchup for both players. I’d give the slight edge to Doi, the Japanese player has a higher upside in these conditions as has had some good wins this year.
Prediction: Doi in 3
Ann Li vs Xinyu Wang
H2H: Xin. Wang 1-0
Xinyu Wang defeated Ann Li 7-6 6-3 at the opening round stage of the Australian Open earlier this year. The eighth seeded Li will be keen to reverse that result in Monterrey. She should have a decent chance at doing just that. Wang is still a raw talent; her game can be a little wild. Li has a solid style, absorbs an redirects pace well, on a slow hard court she is probably more likely to win in this matchup.
Prediction: Li in 3
Sloane Stephens vs Mayar Sherif
H2H: First meeting
Sloane Stephens secured her seventh WTA singles titles in Guadalajara last week, her first title in over four years. A welcome victory for Stephens, one that could be a turning point in her career. To be fair, the American’s pathway to the title wasn’t that tough, but her commitment to win a lower level event was a welcome change.
Playing a new event right after winning a title isn’t always easy, but Stephens is probably experienced and fresh enough to deal with the situation well. Certainly, she should be solid enough to come through this favourable opening round matchup. Sherif doesn’t have the game to challenge Stephens unless something goes terribly wrong with the American, that doesn’t seem likely.
Prediction: Stephens in 2
Elina Svitolina vs Anastasia Potapova
H2H: First meeting
Elina Svitolina has made a poor start to the season, a 3-5 win/loss record which includes losses to played ranked well below her. Svitolina’s latest result was a disappointing opening round loss to Tereza Martincova in Doha. Monterrey presents as a good opportunity for Svitolina to gain some momentum as the top seed in the draw.
Anastasia Potapova’s level has been typically erratic, more bad than good. Potapova was beaten by Anna Karolina Schmiedlova in straight sets in the second round in Guadalajara last week.
This is a matchup where Svitolina would typically have great success. The conditions at night will be slow, conditions that will make it tough for Potapova to hit through Svitolina. Expect Potapova to buckle under the pressure and commit a heap of unforced errors. It should be noted this may not take place as Svitolina has taken a stand and is asking for ATP/WTA/ITF action related to the ongoing Russian invasion of her home country of Ukraine.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
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