It’s time to wrap up the second round at the WTA 500 in Linz. Defending champion Anastasia Potapova will try to keep up her win streak at this venue, while top seed Jelena Ostapenko might be in trouble early facing Clara Tauson. Who do you think will come out on top?
WTA Linz Day 4 Predictions
Elise Mertens vs Lucia Bronzetti
Head-to-head: First meeting
Elise Mertens remains as solid as ever and has already picked up a final this year. She requires a very high standard from her opponents, that is if they want to take the win. What won’t be helping Lucia Bronzetti here is that while she’s fairly similar to Mertens in terms of her playstyle, she simply doesn’t have an aspect of the game where she’s got a clear edge over her opponent.
Prediction: Mertens in 2
Katerina Siniakova vs Clara Burel
Head-to-head: First meeting
Clara Burel produced a massive upset against Jessica Pegula at the Australian Open. While the American was out of sorts, the former junior No. 1 is capable of such results on a good forehand day. She might need a bit of time on the ball to get in the rhythm though and it will be Katerina Siniakova’s job to throw her off. With the Czech’s net play and variety, this could be a good matchup for her indoors.
Prediction: Siniakova in 3
Dayana Yastremska vs Donna Vekic
Head-to-head: Yastremska 3-2
Dayana Yastremska is coming off that Australian Open semifinal run and it remains to be seen how dangerous she can be on a regular basis. Her playstyle likely won’t make for a very consistent campaign, but after all she was already right outside the top 20 a couple for years back. Against a player who hasn’t started her season too well, she should have a solid chance here.
Prediction: Yastremska in 3
Anastasia Potapova vs Elisabetta Cocciaretto
Head-to-head: 1-1
Anastasia Potapova is the defending champion in Linz, but didn’t really follow that result up the rest of the year. She was still playing very well around the Sunshine Double, losing a couple of big matches from a winning position and not recovering her confidence. She still has everything needed to keep improving though and should progress here against a player with a lot less upside.
Prediction: Potapova in 2
Jelena Ostapenko vs Clara Tauson
Head-to-head: Tauson 1-0
Will we ever get that long-awaited Clara Tauson breakthrough? It’s mostly been a question of health as the Dane just can’t stay away from injuries for an extended patch of play. She’s got the talent and the ability to produce upsets like this though. Jelena Ostapenko might be in danger here and Tauson definitely has the game to stand up to her and not sit around waiting for errors.
Prediction: Tauson in 3
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
