First-round action continues on Day 3 of the WTA 250 in Rabat, Morocco. Chances of inclement weather persist, but we do have a slew of entertaining matches once the sun is out including a third career meeting between Rebecca Peterson and Lucia Bronzetti. Who will reach the round of 16? We also look at the day’s other matches in a separate article.
WTA Rabat Day 3 Predictions
Tatjana Maria vs Tatiana Prozorova
Head-to-head: first meeting
The last time Tatjana Maria played a WTA 250, she swept the field in Bogota, dropping just one set en route to her third career title. Tatiana Prozorova is a qualifier, and although relatively young, is an established clay-court specialist on the ITF circuit with two titles to her name. But the comparative disparity in experience gives the German a massive edge.
Prediction: Maria in 2
Kamilla Rakhimova vs Malak El Allami
Head-to-head: first meeting
Rakhimova has cracked the WTA’s top 100 and that gives her a pathway to a handful of appearances in main draws. She takes on a home wild card who has only played 18 matches on the professional scene. The Russian is the safest pick of the day in Rabat and she’ll win handsomely here.
Prediction: Rakhimova in 2
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Rebecca Peterson vs Lucia Bronzetti
Head-to-head: Bronzetti 2-0 Peterson
Peterson and Bronzetti will lock horns for the third straight year. It’s the most intriguing match of the day in Rabat and a tough one to call. Peterson has enjoyed a far better season on Tour than Bronzetti. She re-entered the top 100 after reaching the WTA 250 final in Merida earlier this season. But the Swede hasn’t played since steering her country into the Billie Jean King Cup Play-Off draw last month. Bronzetti recently played herself into form in Florence at the 125K event. Although she did not beat anyone of the caliber of Peterson, her semifinal performance against eventual winner Jasmine Paolini did not go unnoticed. Peterson could struggle to problem-solve her way out of this challenge.
Prediction: Bronzetti in 3
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
