All the remaining second-round matches will be contested on Tuesday at the 2023 WTA Guadalajara Open Akron. Second seed Maria Sakkari (runner-up from last year) opens up her campaign against Storm Hunter. Who do you think will prevail?
WTA Guadalajara Day 3 Predictions Including
Sachia Vickery vs Caroline Dolehide
Head-to-head: 1-1
Caroline Dolehide survived a three-hour thriller with Peyton Stearns Monday (three tie-breaks). Will the American be feeling it a little today? It’s not out of the question. For all we know, Sachia Vickery could have been headed for a similar battle with Danielle Collins, but her opponent retired after the opening set. Being fresher could be a big advantage here and the 28-year-old lucky loser has a nice chance to keep her second-chance run going.
Prediction: Vickery in 3
Sloane Stephens vs Emiliana Arango
Head-to-head: First meeting
Emiliana Arango has already produced an upset in Guadalajara this week, eliminating Anastasia Potapova. The Russian didn’t handle the altitude conditions too well though and the consistency of Arango had the chance to shine. It might not be like that against Sloane Stephens. While the former US Open champion has a lot of bad days at the office, Mexico is where she usually thrives and is actually pretty reliable in these events.
Prediction: Stephens in 2
Anhelina Kalinina vs Sofia Kenin
Head-to-head: Kenin 4-3
This has been a fascinating rivalry this year with three meetings already. Sofia Kenin leads 4-3 overall and also 2-1 in 2023 (she’s also 3-0 against Anhelina Kalinina on outdoor hard courts). It seems like the 2020 Australian Open is finally coming back to her best now with the final in San Diego being followed up by a good performance against Carol Zhao yesterday. She should have a lot of confidence right now, expect her to keep going.
Prediction: Kenin in 3
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Maria Sakkari vs Storm Hunter
Head-to-head: First meeting
Maria Sakkari had no issues handling the conditions in Guadalajara last year, making the final. She should be among the main contenders for the title here again. This looks like an easy enough draw too. Storm Hunter is one of the best doubles players in the world but in the singles, she’s mostly out there trying to make opponents uncomfortable with her lefty spin. Sakkari should be able to hit through her.
Prediction: Sakkari in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
