Tuesday’s action in Parma saw several upsets, leaving very few seeds remaining in the draw. Maria Sakkari and Irina-Camelia Begu remain the favourites, but the draw is wide open for the rest of the group. Their are eight matches to cover in our WTA Parma day 3 predictions and this article features four of the eight. Be sure to head over to the other article for the rest of the day’s coverage. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the four matches featured here.
WTA Parma Day 3 Predictions
Dalma Galfi vs Maryna Zanevska
Head-to-head: 2 – 1 Zanevska
Both Dalma Galfi and Maryna Zanevska made short work of their opening round clashes in Parma. This looks like it should be a more closely fought affair though. The pair are separated by just six ranking spots and are talented clay court players. Zanevska’s form has taken a dip in recent months and she isn’t the clear favourite she would have been at the start of the year. Nonetheless, the Belgian was convincing in her last match against a talented opponent in Lucia Bronzetti. As such, I expect her to get the job done again here.
Prediction: Zanevska in 3
Sloane Stephens vs Danka Kovinic
Head-to-head: 2 – 0 Stephens
Sloane Stephens once again made life difficult for herself in her last match against Magdalena Frech. The American was lucky to emerge with the victory and will need to seriously raise her game in this match if she wants a similar result. Danka Kovinic was solid when it mattered in her last round. Similar resilience here should see her over the line against Stephens. The American is well short of her best and there for the taking more often than not these days.
Prediction: Kovinic in 3
Lauren Davis vs Sara Sorribes Tormo
Head-to-head: 1 – 1
Sara Sorribes Tormo knocked out second seed Martina Trevisan in emphatic style on Tuesday. Now the Spaniard will look to build on that momentum against an opponent with a similar game in Lauren Davis. Both are great movers and defenders who love to counterpunch. However, on clay Sorribes Tormo will likely dictate things more often. These two met in Lausanne two months ago and Sorribes Tormo won easily. I expect a similar result in this one given the surface and the confidence boost the Spaniard received with her last win.
Prediction: Sorribes Tormo in 2
Maria Sakkari vs Arantxa Rus
Head-to-head: 3 – 1 Sakkari
Sakkari was shaky in her first match in Parma, but found a way through in the end. By contrast, Arantxa Rus cruised into the second round after demolishing Panna Udvardy. However, this is a matchup the Greek will be pleased to see. Sakkari has beaten Rus in straight sets in all three of their previous meetings. She is in desperate need of a similar result here after a torrid time on the WTA Tour in recent months. Rus will make life hard for her, but I expect Sakkari to find a way to win again here.
Prediction: Sakkari in 3
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