There are four Round of 16 matches scheduled on the third day of the WTA 250 event in Austin. No. 1 seed Anhelina Kalinina is one of the players in action, who comfortably won her match in the previous round. As always, we at LWOT give our predictions and analysis for all the contests. But which players do you think will win in Austin?
WTA Austin Day 3 Predictions
Emiliana Arango vs Wang Yafan
Head-to-head: Wang 1-0 Arango
Both players impressively withstood some clean hitting in the previous round. Wang triumphed against Lucia Bronzetti, who beat WTA Elite Trophy semifinalist Daria Kasatkina last week in Dubai. Arango overcame the big-serving Alycia Parks, although the American was far below her best. Despite that victory for Arango, I expect Wang to come through this challenge in Austin. She has a more formidable record on hard courts, with Arango more comfortable on clay. The hard courts of Austin should suit Wang’s slightly more aggressive style more if she finds her range.
Prediction: Wang in 2
Yuan Yue vs Taylor Townsend
Head-to-head: Townsend 1-0 Yuan
Each of these players had to defeat gritty opponents in the previous round. Yuan came from a set down against Arina Rodionova, while Townsend did the same against Fernanda Contreras Gomez. In truth, predicting Townsend’s matches is not easy. She is very inconsistent, but can be devastating with her powerful hitting when near her best. Yuan is the more steady player despite her own aggressive style. Yet, something tells me that the unpredictable Townsend is going to rise to the occasion again in front of her home fans in Austin.
Prediction: Townsend in 3
Kamilla Rakhimova vs Diane Parry
Head-to-head: Parry 1-0 Rakhimova
Rakhimova came through a long and dramatic battle with Yanina Wickmayer in the last round. She eventually won 7-5 in a final-set tiebreak to set up this meeting. Parry was far more convincing against her compatriot Jessika Ponchet, with her serve particularly impressive. These two met last month at the Australian Open and Parry won that in straight sets. Expect the Frenchwoman to do the same here. Rakhimova has not had a day’s rest after her long match, which makes a difficult matchup even tougher.
Prediction: Parry in 2
Anhelina Kalinina vs Camila Osorio
Head-to-head: First meeting
Both players won without any stress in the last round. Kalinina only lost five games against Sara Bejlek, while Osorio dropped the same amount against the veteran Alize Cornet. Osorio upsetting the No. 1 seed is possible. Kalinina has registered just three WTA victories this season and has not been at her best. However, the Ukrainian looked good in her opening round and also played well last week in Dubai, despite losing to Elina Svitolina. She may have turned the corner and will probably overcome this challenge in Austin.
Prediction: Kalinina in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
