It is a loaded field in the German capital as eight of the top-11 players in the world are to compete for the WTA Berlin Open title. This is just the third year this event has been held on grass as a lead-up to the Championships at the All England Club. Day one action features a number of the top seeds and, as always, we here at LWOT are previewing and predicting for every match around the grounds in Berlin. But who will advance?
WTA Berlin Day 1 Predictions
Caroline Garcia vs Sabine Lisicki
Head-to-Head: Garcia 2-1 Lisicki
World #4 Caroline Garcia starts her grass-court season in Berlin against Sabine Lisicki. The Frenchwoman has a career record of 37-20 on the grass, including a 10-3 mark last season. She excels on the slick surface, making her the decisive favorite over the veteran German. Lisicki, a former top-15 ranked player, has played just nine tour-level matches over the last five seasons. She does not have the form nor the consistency to hang with one of the best grass-court players in the world.
Prediction: Garcia in 2
Donna Vekic vs Varvara Gracheva
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Donna Vekic and Varvara Gracheva will square off for the first time on Monday in Berlin. Both women are approaching career-high rankings and have played phenomenal tennis in 2023. Vekic has a strong history on grass and should feel confident against Gracheva, who has yet to win a WTA match on the surface. Gracheva is still 22 years old and will likely become a formidable grass-court player, but her inexperience makes her the clear underdog in this spot.
Prediction: Vekic in 2
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Petra Kvitova vs Karolina Pliskova
Head-to-Head: Kvitova 3-2 Pliskova
Countrywomen Petra Kvitova and Karolina Pliskova will square off in Berlin, looking to find some form ahead of the third Slam of the season. Kvitova holds the 3-2 head-to-head advantage over younger counterpart, but Pliskova has won their two most recent meetings. Both women have had terrific careers on the surface, which sets the Berlin fans up for a high-level battle on Monday. Never count out Kvitova, but she has played only two matches over the past ten weeks. Pliskova does not come in with much better form, but at least she has been on the tennis court. Back Pliskova in a tight three-setter.
Prediction: Pliskova in 3
Main photo credit: Peter van den Berg-USA TODAY Sports
