The majority of first round WTA action will take place in Lausanne on Day 2, as multiple top seeds make their debut. With a whopping eleven matches on the schedule, LWOS writers give their two-sense as to who could push through to round two. Who will make it through?
WTA Lausanne Day 2 Predictions
Lucia Bronzetti vs Tamara Zidanšek
Head-to-head: Zidansek 1-0
It’s easy to forget that Zidansek achieved a massive breakthrough at the 2021 French Open, going all the way to the semifinals. She hasn’t been able to replicate that form, and since has faced a downward spiral in the rankings. These kinds of courts certainly suit her, and the less pressure-filled environment of WTA 250’s will benefit her. Bronzetti is on a three-match losing streak, but notably made the final in Berlin on the grass. She may struggle a bit to transition to clay, but Bronzetti’s exciting youthful game will allow her to ease into this match.
Prediction: Bronzetti in 3
Danka Kovinic vs Jenny Duerst
Head-to-head: First meeting
Duerst will look to hope for some home crowd magic in this one. The 10th ranked Swiss tennis player, she has a solid opportunity to work into this match. While Kovinic is far more experienced on the WTA tour, her defensive game allows lower-ranked players to feel they have a chance. Kovinic won’t overpower Duerst, so look for Duerst to make this an intense match. Duerst is looking for her first ever WTA tour-level victory.
Prediction: Kovinic in 3
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Dalila Jakupovic vs Valentini Grammatikopoulou
Head-to-head: Jakupovic 1-0
A matchup of long names, or more so a great opportunity for either player to rebound at WTA-level. Jakupovic is way off her career-high ranking of 38, one she reached in 2018. Meanwhile, her Greek opponent fared slightly better in 2022, taking home some much-needed points late in the summer. This means the next couple of tournaments will be critical for her, as she tries to maintain her status in the top 200. Jakupovic tends to struggle on clay, demonstrating a 5-11 record on this surface; meanwhile, Grammatikopoulu plays her best on the dirt. The Greek should win this one.
Prediction: Grammatikopoulu in 2
Ana Bogdan vs Simona Waltert
Head-to-head: Bogdan 1-0
In front of a home crowd, Waltert certainly made a name for herself on the WTA last year. In Round 1, the Swiss star stunned then-Top 10 Danielle Collins, saving match points in a thrilling third set tiebreak. She then followed up that win to a quarterfinal run, one that propelled her to a career-high ranking. Unfortunately, she suffered a heartbreaking loss in another third-set tiebreak, and has since struggled to win WTA tour-level matches. On the other hand, Bogdan didn’t play in this tournament last year. Bogdan’s ranking certainly lives up to her tennis, as her counterpunching can produce some exciting tennis. Look no further than her epic fight in the Wimbledon third round. Waltert will be very motivated and fired up, but expect Bogdan to prevail.
Prediction: Bogdan in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
