There should be a great day of tennis at the WTA Hobart International and, as always, we here at LWOT are offering our predictions for every match on teh schedule, including Sloane Stephens vs Yuan Yue. But who will book their place in the second round in Tasmania?
WTA Hobart Day 2 Predictions
Caroline Dolehide vs Mayar Sherif
Head-to-head: first meeting
This is the first contest between these two at WTA Tour level. Caroline Dolehide started her new season with a disappointing first-round loss in Brisbane, while this is Sherif’s first tournament of the season. Expectations are slightly higher for Dolehide this year after reaching the final at the WTA 1000 in Guadalajara, and that is something she needs to manage. Nevertheless, expect her to win this one at the WTA Hobart International. Mayer Sherif is a clay-court specialist, and Dolehide’s power on a hard court is likely to have too much.
Prediction: Dolehide in 2
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Tatjana Maria vs Nadia Podoroska
Head-to-head: Maria 3-2 Podoroska
This is the first match of the new season for both players, and it is a great chance for both to get an opening win. Tatjana Maria memorably reached the Wimbledon semifinal in 2022, but the German veteran has often struggled since. 26-year-old Nadia Podoroska is much younger, but she is a real clay court specialist, and the former French Open semifinalist has had little success outisde the dirt. This could be tight, but on a hard court, the variety and skill of Maria may just about get her over the line at the WTA Hobart International.
Prediction: Maria in 3
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Sofia Kenin vs Greet Minnen
Head-to-head: Kenin 1-0 Minnen
Both players had disappointing starts in singles to the new season. Greet Minnen lost in the first-round in Brisbane despite winning the opening set. Sofia Kenin faced Anna Rodionova in her first match of the same tournament, but exited in straight sets. Last season was Kenin’s best since her 2020 Australian Open title win, and she will not want to let that momentum slip. Minnen is a tricky opponent at her best, and is capable of making things difficult for Kenin. However, I think the American will be too consistent at the WTA Hobart International to get a first win of the season.
Prediction: Kenin in 2
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Marie Bouzkova vs Viktorija Golubic
Head-to-head: Bouzkova 2-1 Golubic
The confidence of both players may have taken a knock after their previous matches. Marie Bouzkova progressed to the quarterfinal in Auckland last week, but was then blown away by the eventual runner-up Elina Svitolina 0-6 3-6. Viktorija Golubic started her season the Challenger Circuit in Canberra, and was the top seed, but lost in the opening round in straight sets. Despite her setback, Bouzkova should be too good. She looked in good form before the Svitolina match, and simply ran into an opponent who was on fire. Her consistent brand of tennis will have too much for Golubic at the WTA Hobart International.
Prediction: Bouzkova in 2
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Wang Xinyu vs Olivia Gadecki
Head-to-head: Wang 1-0 Gadecki
Olivia Gadecki was given a wildcard into the main draw. However, she played well in Brisbane, coming through qualifying, and then winning a main draw match, before being stopped by last year’s Australian Open runner-up Elena Rybakina. She defied her ranking last week, and could pose a challenge to Wang Xinyu. The Chinese player lost in the second-round last week in a final-set tiebreak to Xiyu Wang. Gadecki will have the crowd support at the WTA Hobart International, but I still doubt it will be enough. The power of Wang is likely to leave Gadecki more rushed than she is used too throughout the contest.
Prediction: Wang in 2
Main photo credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
