There is a very strong draw at the WTA Rouen Open. This is demonstrated by two-time Grand Slam finalists Sloane Stephens and Karolina Pliskova both being in action on the opening day. As always, we at LWOT provide our predictions and analysis for the all the matches. But which players do you think will win?
WTA Rouen Day 1 Predictions
Magda Linette vs Elsa Jacquemot
Head-to-head: First meeting
Linette had a good start to her clay court season in Charleston by winning two matches. She ended a run of four consecutive losses in the process. Jacquemot’s style is a true throwback, with her short, narrow swings and frequent rushes to the net. That type of game is less likely to be effective against the steady Linette on a clay court. Expect the Pole to win but this should be a fun match to watch regardless at the WTA Rouen Open.
Prediction: Linette in 2
Mirra Andreeva vs Nadia Podoroska
Head-to-head: Andreeva 1-0 Podoroska
Andreeva has not played a tournament in over a month since losing in the opening round of Indian Wells to Katie Volynets. Podoroska is a clay court specialist and is likely to try and extend the rallies and frustrate the 16-year-old in a similar way to Volynets. But Andreeva should prevail on this occasion. Clay is probably the teenager’s best surface and the accuracy of her shots will likely be too much for her Argentine opponent to handle at the WTA Rouen Open over three sets.
Prediction: Andreeva in 3
Karolina Pliskova vs Polina Kudermetova
Head-to-head: First meeting
It is difficult to know what to expect from Pliskova. After a difficult few seasons, she suddenly hit a purple patch in February by winning the title in Cluj-Napoca and reaching the semifinal in Qatar. But that was followed by first-round losses in Indian Wells and Miami. She could be somewhat vulnerable in her first match of the year on clay. Nonetheless, she is still the favourite. Kudermetova is ranked outside the Top 100 and plays her best tennis by far on hard courts. Pliskova’s power should be enough for her to win at the WTA Rouen Open.
Prediction: Pliskova in 2
Sloane Stephens vs Peyton Stearns
Head-to-head: Stephens 1-0 Stearns
There is a nice clash of styles in this contest. Stephens’ demeanor on-court is among the most relaxed in the game and she prefers to construct points patiently. By contrast, Stearns is a fiery competitor who likes to play aggressively. Both players are also very comfortable on clay and their one previous match was on the dirt last year, which Stephens won 8-6 in a final-set tiebreak. This could be close again, but Stephens gets a slight edge. The 2018 French Open runner-up has played very well in the early stages of tournaments this year and that steady level may just be enough at the WTA Rouen Open.
Prediction: Stephens in 3
Main Photo Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
