After a thrilling few months on clay, the grass court season begins. It promises to be an exciting opening week, with the tournament in Den Bosch being a combined event for WTA and ATP players. There is a superb WTA schedule for Day 1 of the event. We at LWOT predict all the women’s Den Bosch action here and in a separate article, including Bianca Andreescu vs Eva Vedder. But which players do you expect to win on the opening day?
WTA Den Bosch Day 1 Predictions
Greet Minnen vs Rebeka Masarova
Head-to-head: Minnen 2-0 Masarova
Masarova is hoping it will be third time lucky against Minnen. She has already lost to her this year on the hard courts of Doha and the green clay in Charleston. Masarova should have a better chance on grass. The Spaniard will get more free points from her formidable serve and has an opportunity to rush Minnen from the baseline. Nonetheless, Minnen is still backed to prevail for a third time. Even in less suitable conditions, the Belgian possesses the skills to disarm Masarova’s power once again.
Prediction: Minnen in 3
Bernarda Pera vs Suzan Lamens
Head-to-head: First meeting
Pera’s ranking is much higher than Lamens’ and she has achieved more during her career. However, an upset is possible in this one. Pera struggles a lot on grass, having lost all five of her main draw matches at Wimbledon. The American’s movement, which is excellent on clay, is much less impressive when she competes on grass. Backed by a home crowd, Lamens has a great chance if she puts the pressure on Pera and consistently rushes her during the rallies.
Prediction: Lamens in 3
Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Arina Rodionova
Head-to-head: Alexandrova 1-0 Rodionova
Alexandrova won this event in 2022 and 2023. Her game is perfectly suited to grass and Rodionova is a major underdog. The Australian will put balls back into court and make Alexandrova work hard to win baseline exchanges. But that is unlikely to come close to an upset. Alexandrova’s huge serve and flat shots on grass will be hit at a pace that Rodionova rarely faces. Adjusting to that is a tough ask for her.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 2
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
