Day two at the WTA Cincinnati Open promises to be electric. A number of fascinating matchups are on the schedule and we here at LWOT will be offering up our predictions for every match, including Serena Williams vs Emma Raducanu, Simona Halep vs Anastasia Potapova and Karolina Pliskova vs Venus Williams. But who will march on?
WTA Cincinnati Day 2 Predictions
Naomi Osaka vs Zhang Shuai
Head-to-head: Osaka 3-2 Zhang
This should be a really interesting encounter. They’ve had some excellent matches against each other, but haven’t actually faced off since Beijing 2018. Since then, Naomi Osaka has won multiple Grand Slams but has also had her fair share of off court troubles which have no doubt affected her. She’s showed signs of brilliance this season, and you feel the more matches she plays the closer she’ll get to her best.
Zhang Shuai has been in good form of late, and she can be a tricky matchup for Osaka. Naomi’s top level is a fair way higher than Zhang’s, but she’ll need to find it in order to win this one. I think Osaka will do enough to win here – her serve is still monstrous and that may be the key.
Prediction: Osaka in 3
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Marta Kostyuk vs Camila Giorgi
Head-to-head: Giorgi 1-0 Kostyuk
It was impossible not to be very impressed with Camila Giorgi last week. Though she was unable to defend her title in Canada, she looked the best she has for some time on the court, and it was a welcome reminder of the high level she can play at. Her aggressive game is similar to many players on both tours – when it works, she’s close to unbeatable but when it doesn’t, she can lose to anyone.
Marta Kostyuk should present a big challenge here. She hasn’t played since Wimbledon, but did well to come through qualifying with wins over Jasmine Paolini and Magdalena Frech and she’s always a big test for anyone – especially in the first round. Giorgi can no doubt out-hit her, but I’m still not sure if she’s found the balance between control and aggression. That said, her level last week suggests that she should do well again here.
Prediction: Giorgi in 3
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Coco Gauff vs Marie Bouzkova
Head-to-head: first meeting
2022 continues to be a fantastic year for Coco. After a brilliant run to the semifinals in Toronto, she also clinched the doubles title there to secure her sport as world #1 in the doubles rankings. Her groundstrokes look very solid, and really effective. However, there is a significant issue with her double faulting – which was remarkably poor last week. Her first delivery is reaching world-class levels, but she’s got to cut out the double faults if she’s to win a big title this year.
Bouzkova has also had a very good year. She blew her way through qualifying, losing just eight games in two matches. Her aggressive game is highly enjoyable to watch, and is reaping the rewards right now. This match should deliver in all aspects – heavy hitting, good variation and great defence. Gauff will go in as the favourite as she’s more reliable off the ground, but she needs to cut the double faults out or Bouzkova will make her pay.
Prediction: Gauff in 3
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