After rain frustrated fans and viewers on Day 1, the hope will be that many of these exciting WTA matches can get played out in Cincinnati. Multiple first and second-round matches will be played, and as always we here at LWOT are offering our predictions for every match on the slate, featuring Grand Slam champions and finalists. Who will prevail?
WTA Cincinnati Day 2 Predictions
Irina-Camelia Begu vs Marie Bouzkova
Head-to-head: First meeting
This is a new matchup alert on the WTA, as both players interestingly use a more defense-rounded game. Bouzkova is known for her exceptional shot-making and volleys, but both Begu and Bouzkova can grind from the baseline. Bouzkova continued her dominant win percentage over Caroline Garcia in Toronto, but noticeably struggles against non-power players as she subsequently lost to Kasatkina. However, Begu has been dealing with injury struggles ever since Wimbledon, making her likely prone to some rustiness early on. Bouzkova should have all the tricks and skills to get through this match.
Prediction: Bouzkova in 2
Ons Jabeur vs Anhelina Kalinina
Head-to-head: Jabeur 1-0
For the first time since her heartbreaking Wimbledon loss to Vondrousova, Jabeur is back on a tennis court playing a professional match. Historically, players have crumbled after big results such as finalist or champion positions at Slams. Jabeur could very well be at risk of a let-down, especially after such a tough defeat. Yet, she knows how to play this matchup, and does well neutralizing against power-hitters. With only one tournament between now and the US Open, surely Jabeur will put 100% focus in, in order to get some much-needed match preparation and confidence. Kalinina may grab a set, most likely the first set if Jabeur is rusty.
Prediction: Jabeur in 3
[cta id=591 type=cta]
Liudmila Samsonova vs Linda Noskova
Head-to-head: 1-0 Samsonova
It may come as a surprise to fans that Samsonova hasn’t pulled out of the Western & Southern Open yet given her exhausting week in Montreal. There’s still a chance a lucky loser will take her place between now and tomorrow, but Samsonova may be continuously motivated to gain traction going into her traditionally best Grand Slam. Noskova is an exciting up-and-comer but has stagnated as of late. Prague was a big opportunity for her to win his maiden WTA pro title, but she shockingly lost to Nao Hibino. If Samsonova is healthy, she should get through this one.
Prediction: Samsonova in 2
Petra Kvitova vs Anna Blinkova
Head-to-head: First meeting
Kvitova has seemingly (and hopefully) beaten the injury odds from her Montreal third-round against Belinda Bencic. Dealing with a back problem, she faded in the third set, losing 6-7 6-3 6-1. Blinkova is at her career-high ranking of No. 34, and although she took out Caroline Garcia in a massive upset at the French Open, it always seems like she lacks the firepower to frequently take out big names. This is a good opportunity for Blinkova to advance her giant-killer resume with Kvitova’s injury woes, but Kvitova’s hard-court form is noticeably better compared to previous seasons. Expect a close one.
Prediction: Kvitova in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
