Coco Gauff was blown off the court by Ekaterina Alexandrova in Berlin last week and will be hoping for a better performance in the opening round of the 2023 WTA Rothesay International in Eastbourne. Coming up for her is an all-American matchup with Bernarda Pera. We also look at the rest of the day’s matches, split between two articles. One features Petra Kvitova vs Jelena Ostapenko, and the second features Jessica Pegula vs Qinwen Zheng. Who do you think will prolong their stay in Eastbourne?
WTA Eastbourne Day 2 Predictions
Anastasia Potapova vs Camila Giorgi
Head-to-head: Giorgi 1-0
You never really know what Camila Giorgi will bring to the court and she could just end up running away with it if she’s peaking. Anastasia Potapova had a very solid run in Birmingham last week though and seems to be finding her footing on the grass by now. Other than the weaponry, she also has a lot of defensive skills to back it up. Giorgi will need to be at her very best to prevail, we’ll see if she finds it.
Prediction: Potapova in 3
Petra Martic vs Katie Boulter
Head-to-head: First meeting
This could be the underrated match of the round. Petra Martic’s game works so well on the grass with the slices and all-court tactics, but Katie Boulter won her first WTA Tour title just two weeks ago in Nottingham. The Brit loves playing at home and should be able to bring some of that form again, but an experienced veteran like Martic is often really hard to beat. The tennis IQ of the Croat might end up being vital here.
Prediction: Martic in 3
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Bernarda Pera vs Coco Gauff
Head-to-head: Gauff 1-0
Coco Gauff was demolished by Ekaterina Alexandrova in Berlin last week and she’s definitely vulnerable to losses like that on the grass. Bernarda Pera’s heavy topspin style isn’t at its most effective on the surface either though and it doesn’t feel like she’ll be capable of violently attacking her compatriot’s forehand side like Alexandrova did. Along with her big serve, Gauff should be fine here.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Main Photo Credit: Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK
