There are six matches scheduled for Day 2 of the WTA Eastbourne International. This includes 2023 French Open runner-up Karolina Muchova’s return to the sport after being sidelined for nearly a year with an injury. The Czech’s contest is one of three predicted in this article. We at LWOT predict the rest of the matches in Eastbourne in a separate article, including Sloane Stephens vs Emma Raducanu. But which players do you think will progress to the Round of 16?
WTA Eastbourne Day 2 Predictions
Elise Mertens vs Yuriko Miyazaki
Head-to-head: First meeting
Mertens retired in the second set of her second-round clash with Caroline Dolehide last week in Birmingham. But she then went on to win the doubles at the tournament. Mertens defeated Caroline Wozniacki in the opening round in Birmingham and Miyazaki has her work cut out if the Belgian is near that level again. The Briton is a wild card in Eastbourne and does possess a lot of talent. However, Mertens’ more complete game is very likely to prevail.
Prediction: Mertens in 2
Katie Boulter vs Petra Martic
Head-to-head: Martic 1-0 Boulter
Nottingham Open champion Boulter’s game on grass is definitely better than Martic’s at her best. Interestingly though, Martic defeated Boulter in the opening round in Eastbourne last year. That demonstrates how awkward the Croat’s gritty style of tennis can be to face. But Martic achieving an upset again is complicated by this being her first match on grass this year. Adjusting to Boulter’s powerful shots will be tough, and I think the Briton will avenge last year’s defeat.
Prediction: Boulter in 2
Karolina Muchova vs Elina Avanesyan
Head-to-head: Muchova 1-0 Avanesyan
Some fans are surprised to see Muchova return on grass and thought returning on clay after Wimbledon might be more logical. Nonetheless, it is terrific to have the Czech back playing once again on any surface. She will undoubtedly be rusty, but this is probably a good draw for her. Avanesyan is very consistent and will put a lot of balls in play. However, the Russian is least comfortable playing on grass, making even a struggling Muchova the favourite to progress.
Prediction: Muchova in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
