This set of WTA Chennai day 1 predictions is one of two sets covering the eight matches taking place on Monday. So, be sure to check out the other set for the rest of the coverage of day 1. With that in mind, let’s get stuck into the four featured here. The draw in Chennai isn’t very deep and could be a real opportunity for some new faces. However, the top players that are involved will take some beating. Who moves on from Monday’s action is a tough question to answer. Nonetheless, we will do our best to answer it in this set of predictions.
WTA Chennai Open Day 1 Predictions
Katarzyna Kawa vs Astra Sharma
Neither of these players has had a great 2022. Kawa is out of her comfort zone on hard courts and has done little of note on the WTA Tour this year. Equally, Sharma has failed to kick on after winning her first WTA title last year at Charleston 2. The Aussie is definitely the more accomplished player and better on hard courts, so I’m giving her the edge in this one. Sharma wins this comfortably.
Prediction: Sharma in 2
Chloe Paquet vs Kaur Thandi Karman
A 200 plus disparity in rankings is hard to ignore. However, home crowds and familiarity do wonderful things for tennis players sometimes. Thandi Karman has never been inside the top 200 in the women’s game. However, she did win her first ITF title this year and it was won in India. That fact gives her a fighting chance in this, though I expect the power of Paquet will prove to much for her. The Frenchwoman has too much experience and quality to lose this one for me.
Prediction: Paquet in 3
Rebecca Peterson vs Victoria Kasintseva
Peterson hasn’t had the best of years this year. An easier draw in a tournament like this is just what she needs in order to right ship a little. Unfortunately for her, she’s up against a bright young talent in Kasintseva. The Romanian won the junior Australian Open in 2020 and is inside the top 200 in the women’s game already at just 17 years old. She is yet to make a real mark on the WTA Tour, but the weak draw in Chennai may be the chance she has been waiting for. I suspect she may well upset Peterson here and a few more better known players as well in the days to come.
Prediction: Kasintseva in 3
Anna Blinkova vs Rebecca Marino
I Like Blinkova and I was sure she’d be able to get back on track after a dismal run of injuries and poor form left her on the outside of the top 100 looking in. Now though, I’m not so sure she will come back. The Russian continues to be plagued by inconsistency both in her overall play and in her decision-making on the court. She looks a shell of the player who finished #61 in the world in 2020. By contrast, Marino is in good touch and could sneak a top 100 year end for the first time since 2010 with a few good results in the coming weeks. The Canadian is in better form and playing better tennis and she should win this relatively easily.
Prediction: Marino in 2
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