The mini-clay season continues. This week, we are at the WTA 250 in Warsaw and everybody’s fingers are tightly crossed for a rematch of the French Open final between Swiatek and Muchova. Before then though, there are plenty of exciting matches to look forward to. We’ve predicted some of the outcomes of those matches on the second day of action, and we look at the rest of the matches in a separate article.
WTA Warsaw Day 2 Predictions
Yuliya Hatouka vs Jessika Ponchet
Head-to-head: Hatouka 1-0 Ponchet
Jessika Ponchet joins Diane Parry as a French one-handed backhand player but her delivery isn’t quite as heavy as her compatriot’s. She can be a pain to break down on this surface, however, as her recent results have shown.
Yuliya Hatouka could have the power to win this one but it’ll be tough. We see this one going the distance with the slightly more in-form player getting the win.
Prediction: Hatouka in 3
Linda Noskova vs Jana Fett
Head-to-head: First meeting
Linda Noskova is an extremely talented youngster but her clay-court game has its pros and cons. Whilst she benefits from having time to set up her blistering forehand, her movement and defensive abilities can be exposed on the surface. Heavy hitters Rybakina, Parry and Niemeier are all players that have been able to beat the Czech comfortably in the last couple of years on clay. Jana Fett does make a lot of balls but her more passive play isn’t likely to ruffle the feathers of the 18-year-old.
Prediction: Noskova in 2
[cta id=591 type=cta]
Jodie Burrage vs Ankita Raina
Head-to-head: First meeting
Like many of her compatriots, Jodie Burrage isn’t comfortable on clay–she is especially inexperienced, however, having only played 15 matches on the surface throughout her career. She’s beaten some quality players recently though and will take plenty of confidence into this match. Ankita Raina can play to a high level but Burrage should be able to dominate proceedings once she finds her range.
Prediction: Burrage in 3
Shuai Zhang vs Tereza Martincova
Head-to-head: 1-1
After the histrionics in Budapest, everybody wants Shuai Zhang to get her first win in six months. Unfortunately, we don’t see it happening here. The Chinese player has amazing timing but doesn’t really play a clay-court game.
Tereza Martincova hits pretty flat and will feel a little uncomfortable herself. Zhang is in such a funk at the moment, however, it’s hard to see her getting enough rhythm in conditions that don’t suit her in a difficult mental state. We’re predicting the losing streak to continue.
Prediction: Martincova in 3.
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
