One of the biggest questions on Day 2 of the 2023 Guadalajara Open Akron is whether Taylor Townsend can pull off the upset against Belinda Bencic. The American excels at not allowing her opposition to find a nice baseline rhythm, making her a nightmare matchup early for high-ranked players. Who do you think will prevail?
WTA Guadalajara Day 2 Predictions
Mayar Sherif vs Camila Giorgi
Head-to-head: 1-1
They’ve already played twice this year and Camila Giorgi won the only completed meeting, actually also on Mexican soil in Merida. The conditions should be fairly similar here and it’s often a case of if you’re doing well, you’re going to continue doing well when it comes to these altitude events. Giorgi has all the power in her hands here and can direct pace at the Sherif forehand to throw her off her timing.
Prediction: Giorgi in 2
Sofia Kenin vs Carol Zhao
Head-to-head: First meeting
It will be a very short turnaround for Sofia Kenin after reaching the final in San Diego and she might struggle with the conditions initially, especially as it’s a pretty big jump despite both events being played on hard courts. Does Carol Zhao have the weaponry to hurt her? Not really, so she’ll have to depend on the 2020 Australian Open champion having a letdown. It’s not completely out of the question, but she should take this.
Prediction: Kenin in 3
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Marta Kostyuk vs Stacey Fung
Head-to-head: First meeting
Stacey Fung had a very successful college career for Washington University, peaking at No. 6 in the country. She’s already won three ITF titles this season, but this will be quite the step up in her main tour debut. Marta Kostyuk didn’t have issues controlling her game at altitude in Guadalajara last year and if she doesn’t have a bad day at the office, she should be way too strong for Fung here.
Prediction: Kostyuk in 2
Belinda Bencic vs Taylor Townsend
Head-to-head: Bencic 1-0
Taylor Townsend has been playing very well in singles recently with the third round at the US Open and some class wins. Her all-court game and big serve are going to be tough to handle in the Guadalajara altitude and she proved that in the first match. Belinda Bencic might be vulnerable here in her first performance of the week and Townsend is not the opponent you want to see on the other side of the net when you’re struggling for rhythm.
Prediction: Townsend in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
