With 11 singles main draw matches on the schedule, WTA fans in Austin will have plenty to look forward to on Tuesday. Among these clashes is a great matchup between two up-and-comers – Anastasia Potapova and Elizabeth Mandlik. Who do you think will advance to the second round?
WTA Austin Day 2 Predictions
Taylor Townsend vs Sloane Stephens
Head-to-head: Stephens 1-0
Sloane Stephens was just double-bageled by Camila Giorgi in Merida. While the Italian did go on to win the event, it was still quite an atrocious showing from the 2017 US Open champion. Can she recover? Perhaps as her dips usually don’t follow any logic and can be followed with great matches. Against someone with a playstyle as quirky as Taylor Townsend’s, it’s not going to be easy though.
Predictions: Townsend in 3
Madison Brengle vs Lauren Chirico
Head-to-head: Brengle 3-2
Louisa Chirico snapped a seven-match losing streak by progressing through the qualifying draw, but will it be enough here? She used to hold a 2-0 lead in the head-to-head against Madison Brengle, but lost her last three meetings against her, including two in 2021. The 32-year-old can be a tough opponent for Chirico and she won’t gift her as many errors as Coco Vandeweghe did on Sunday.
Predictions: Brengle in 2
Dayana Yastremska vs Anna-Lena Friedsam
Head-to-head: First meeting
Anna-Lena Friedsam is coming off a great run in Linz, where she proved that she is capable of troubling power-hitters who struggle with their lack of plan B. With Dayana Yastremska’s rather indifferent form, the veteran should be able to cause her plenty of trouble. She is a great competitor and will make the Ukrainian beat her, even if in general her upside isn’t as high.
Prediction: Friedsam in 3
Anastasia Potapova vs Elizabeth Mandlik
Head-to-head: First meeting
Anastasia Potapova captured the second main Tour title of her career in Linz a few weeks ago and is certainly among the youngsters who could potentially have a breakout year. Truth be told, so could Elizabeth Mandlik, but the American has not started her year that well. Potapova’s confidence should be sky-high right now.
Prediction: Potapova in 2
Main Photo Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
