Second-round matchups commence on day three at the WTA Istanbul Cup in Turkey. The weather should also clear up on Wednesday after a frustrating couple of days in miserably damp conditions in Turkey’s second city. The action on the court is also heating up with the second seed and defending champion Sorana Cirstea amongst those in action. But who will advance to the quarterfinals?
WTA Istanbul Day 3 Predictions
Anna Bondar vs Nuria Parrizas-Diaz
Head-to-head: Parrizas-Dias 1-0 Bondar
Anna Bondar and Nuria Parrizas-Diaz both claimed hard-fought opening round victories over solid opponents on Tuesday in Istanbul. Bondar eliminated the eighth seeded Tereza Martincova 6-4 7-5, whist Parrizas-Diaz defeated Martina Trevisan 7-6 7-5. Parrizas-Diaz defeated Bondar 6-1 4-6 6-2 at an ITF 25K event in South African last year in their only previous meeting. This looks like a very even matchup with little to separate the two, but it is Parrizas-Diaz who has been in better form over the last few months. The Spaniard has also posted better results and gained more experience at tour-level events over the course of her career. Expect her to the player to reach the last eight.
Prediction: Parrizas-Diaz in 3
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Jil Teichmann vs Julia Grabher
Head-to-head: first meeting
It’s generally been a disappointing start to the season for Jil Teichmann, with a quarterfinal run in Dubai via the qualifying draw the only standout performance of her 2022 so far. Teichmann arrived in Istanbul on a three-match losing streak but managed to battle through her opening round match with a 6-3 6-7 6-3 win over Greet Minnen. This looks like a good opportunity for the fifth-seeded Teichmann to go all the way this week given the relatively weak draw at the WTA Istanbul Cup.
Teichmann shouldn’t have much trouble booking a spot in the quarterfinals. Julia Grabher is having a good week having secured three straight set wins having come through the qualifying, but she is sure to be outclassed in this matchup given she has consistently lost to far lower-ranked opponents at the ITF level all season long. Ultimately, Teichmann is a class above the Austrian and very comfortable in these conditions.
Prediction: Teichmann in 2
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Sorana Cirstea vs Arantxa Rus
Head-to-head: Cirstea 2-0 Rus
Cirstea made a good start to her title defense in Istanbul with a 6-4 6-1 victory over lucky-loser Kamilla Rakhimova. Cirstea’s form has been erratic this season, but she will surely fancy her chances this week as one of the best players in the field. Arantxa Rus made the most of a favourable opening round draw in Istanbul as she defeated Ipek Oz 6-3 6-1. It’s been over decade since the pair last met with Cirstea having defeated Rus twice way back in 2010. It is hard to read too much into those results now, but all these years later Cirstea is still the better player and heads into this match as a deserved favourite. Rus is capable on the red clay but hasn’t shown many signs of late that she is going to secure a notable win over the defending champion. Give Cirstea the edge here.
Prediction: Cirstea in 2
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