There is a superb schedule for Day 2 of the WTA Berlin Open. Former Grand Slam champions Naomi Osaka and Angelique Kerber are among those set to entertain the fans in Germany. We at LWOT give our predictions and analysis for all the WTA matches taking place in Berlin, as well as in Birmingham. But which players do you think will win?
WTA Berlin Day 2 Predictions
Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Ekaterina Alexandrova
Head-to-head: Haddad Maia 3-0 Alexandrova
The head-to-head record shows that Haddad Maia has done a good job of defusing Alexandrova’s power in the past. However, this is set to be their first meeting on grass. Alexandrova, who reached the semifinal in Den Bosch last week, has a chance if she serves well. Yet, Haddad Maia is also a very good player on grass, as she showed by winning this tournament two years ago. The margins could be tight, but the Brazilian’s defensive skills make her a slight favourite again.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 3
Angelique Kerber vs Linda Noskova
Head-to-head: First meeting
Noskova’s powerful serve and flat shots would usually be a great fit for grass. But the Czech often struggles when she does not have time on her shots. That gives Kerber, who will be backed by vocally by her local fans in Berlin, a chance on grass. The German has played some really good tennis since returning to the sport. Although the 36-year-old is past her prime, the former Wimbledon champion is backed to overcome Noskova by using her consistency.
Prediction: Kerber in 2
Liudmila Samsonova vs Veronika Kudermetova
Head-to-head: Kudermetova 3-2 Samsonova
This will be the third time these two have played each other in Berlin. Samsonova won in 2021, before Kudermetova got her revenge the following year. It has been a very difficult season so far for Kudermetova, while Samsonova breathed life into her year by claiming the title in Den Bosch on Sunday. Both players have similar big-hitting styles and this could be a close battle. Overall though, it is hard to trust Kudermetova to stay consistent for a whole match, due to her inconsistency so far in 2024.
Prediction: Samsonova in 3
Naomi Osaka vs Qinwen Zheng
Head-to-head: Osaka 1-1 Zheng
Zheng beat Osaka in Rome last month in straight sets. However, this is likely to be a much stiffer challenge for this year’s Australian Open runner-up. She has not been comfortable on grass during her career so far, winning just two of her eight matches on the surface. In addition, Osaka played well last week in Den Bosch, losing a very tight quarterfinal to Bianca Andreescu. Although both players strike the ball very cleanly, Osaka is given an edge in this matchup. She seems to be growing in confidence and is capable of unsettling Zheng on her least favourite surface.
Prediction: Osaka in 2
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke – USA TODAY Sports
