The first day of the WTA San Diego Open promises to be fascinating, with six matches scheduled. Recent Australian Open quarterfinalist Marta Kostyuk’s contest is one of three predicted in this article. The other three matches in San Diego are predicted in a separate article, including Clara Tauson vs Wang Xiyu. But which players do you think will win?
WTA San Diego Day 1 Predictions
Jule Niemeier vs Varvara Gracheva
Head-to-head: First meeting
Gracheva’s level has dropped in recent weeks. She has lost her last four matches heavily in straight sets. Could this be an opportunity for Niemeier? The German is ranked much lower than her French opponent. However, she did get some encouraging results on the ITF Circuit in recent weeks. She also won two matches to qualify for the main draw. Niemeier’s powerful game could thrive in the conditions at the WTA San Diego Open if it is working. Overall, I do not trust Gracheva’s level enough right now to predict that she will avoid an upset.
Prediction: Niemeier in 2
Zhu Lin vs Daria Saville
Head-to-head: Saville 2-0 Zhu
Both players are seeking to recapture the form they had from a few weeks ago. Zhu reached the final of the Hua Hin Championships at the start of February, while Saville took advantage of a wildcard at the Hobart International in January to make the semifinal. That run in Hobart included a victory against Zhu. In general, Saville prefers playing against attacking players like Zhu and redirecting the pace of those opponents. Zhu is the higher-ranked player, but I am backing Saville to upset her again at the WTA San Diego Open.
Prediction: Saville in 3
Marta Kostyuk vs Ann Li
Head-to-head: Li 1-0 Kostyuk
The head-to-head in favour of Li is somewhat misleading. She did win their only meeting, but that was on the ITF Circuit over three years ago. No. 166 ranked Li has been struggling for victories at ITF events in recent weeks. She will need to dramatically improve her level to beat Kostyuk again. Hopefully, the Ukrainian is physically ready for this match. She retired from her contest with Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in Doha and had to withdraw from Dubai as a result. If she has no injury concerns, Kostyuk is very likely to progress at the WTA San Diego Open.
Prediction: Kostyuk in 2
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke – USA TODAY Sports
