The WTA Tour shifts to its grass season as 32 women have descended upon Nottingham, Great Britain, for the 2023 Rothesay Open. This event is back for its eighth edition and welcomes some of the world’s best looking to prepare for the third Slam of the season. No. 1 seed Maria Sakkari kicks her tournament off against the talented Chinese Xiyu Wang. We at LWOT have the preview and prediction for that match and all other happenings around the grounds of Nottingham, including four matches in a separate article. But who will advance?
WTA Nottingham Day 1 Predictions
Shuai Zhang vs Tatjana Maria
Head-to-Head: Zhang 3-0 Maria
No. 6 seed Shuai Zhang will take the court in Nottingham against a foe she has had plenty of past success against. Zhang holds a 3-0 record against Tatjana Maria, dropping just one set in those encounters. That said, Zhang comes into this match having lost eight consecutive matches. On the other hand, Maria holds a 9-5 record since the start of April and has a much better career record on grass. We saw the German make a run to the Wimbledon semis last year, and I believe we see her carry that grass-court confidence over to this season.
Prediction: Maria in 2
[cta id=445 type=cta]
Jule Niemeier vs Heather Watson
Head-to-Head: Niemeier 1-1 Watson
Jule Niemeier and Heather Watson split their two encounters last season, including a straight-set win from the German at the All England Club. That said, Niemeier has not had her best stuff in 2023. She holds a 5-15 record this year. On the other hand, Watson is 14-7 this season at all levels. She is a proven grass-court player and should favor her chances against the young German on this surface. I believe Watson finds the finish line backed by the home crowd.
Prediction: Watson in 3
Viktoriya Tomova vs Elizabeth Mandlik
Head-to-Head: Tomova 1-0 Mandlik
Viktoriya Tomova and Elizabeth Mandlik will square off in Round 1 in Nottingham. Tomova won their only previous meeting, 6-2 6-1, last year in Indian Wells. Neither player has much grass-court experience, so an opportunity to string together a few wins at this 250-event will go a long way. Tomova is a much more proven player and should have the advantage on the faster surface.
Prediction: Tomova in 2
Maria Sakkari vs Xiyu Wang
Head-to-Head: Sakkari 0-1 Wang
Maria Sakkari is looking to bounce back after a disappointing Round 1 exit at Roland Garros. She takes on Xuyu Wang in Round 1 in Nottingham, which is not the most welcoming sign for the Greek. Wang bested Sakkari in the second round of the 2022 US Open. Because of that result, this match will have all of the No. 1 seeds’ full attention. Xiyu Wang holds a 1-2 record in three career tour-level grass matches. I believe the 22-year-old has the skillset to adapt to the surface but does not have the firepower to hang with an uber-motivated Sakkari.
Prediction: Sakkari in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
