Time for the third round of the 2023 WTA Guadalajara Open Akron. Sofia Kenin and Jelena Ostapenko take on each other in a battle of one-time Slam champions, while top-seeded Ons Jabeur continues her campaign against Martina Trevisan. We also look at the rest of the day’s matches in a separate article. Who do you think will make the quarterfinals?
WTA Guadalajara Day 4 Predictions
Caroline Dolehide vs Ekaterina Alexandrova
Head-to-head: First meeting
After two three-setters with fellow Americans, Caroline Dolehide will now be tested by Ekaterina Alexandrova. The Russian defeated Magdalena Frech yesterday in a wild match she won in two tie-breaks, saving a total of six set points. The 28-year-old will surely be dictating play here and the outcome should depend on the quality of her execution. She figured it out somehow against the Pole, so she could pull it off again.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 2
Leylah Fernandez vs Emma Navarro
Head-to-head: 1-1
The two youngsters have already faced each other twice this year with Leylah Fernandez winning in Indian Wells, while Emma Navarro claimed the more recent match in Cincinnati. Conditions-wise this is probably a bit more like the latter, although the speed of play comes rather from the altitude than the courts. Anyhow, this seems to be Navarro’s moment. She was brilliant in San Diego and doesn’t seem to be slowing down at all.
Prediction: Navarro in 3
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Ons Jabeur vs Martina Trevisan
Head-to-head: Jabeur 1-0
Does Martina Trevisan have what it takes to tackle Ons Jabeur? Alycia Parks didn’t, hitting loads of unforced errors and not covering enough of that with her serve. The Tunisian is facing a completely different opponent today and perhaps one that she could find slightly more tricky. This time it’s Jabeur who’ll be forced to lead the rallies and control her game. If she can play at a steady level, Trevisan will be in trouble here, though.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
Sofia Kenin vs Jelena Ostapenko
Head-to-head: Ostapenko 2-1
Is this where Sofia Kenin’s San Diego run starts having a negative impact on her physically? Maybe and while the 2020 Australian Open champion is playing with so much confidence right now, she’s also facing an extremely imposing opponent. Jelena Ostapenko blasted Marta Kostyuk off the court in round two. You never know what sort of level she’ll bring to the court, but she probably earned the right to be the slight favorite here.
Prediction: Ostapenko in 3
Main Photo Credit: Ray Acevedo-USA TODAY Sports
