The remaining Round of 32 matches are completed on Day 2 of the WTA Eastbourne International. This includes a terrific matchup between 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens and 2021 winner at Flushing Meadows Emma Raducanu. That contest is one of three predicted in this article. As always, we at LWOT also predict the other WTA matches taking place in Eastbourne, including Karolina Muchova vs Elina Avanesyan. Which players do you think will on Day 2?
WTA Eastbourne Day 2 Predictions
Ashlyn Kruger vs Viktorija Golubic
Head-to-head: Golubic 1-o Krueger
Both players came through qualifying to reach the main draw, including a win over 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin for Golubic. Krueger’s powerful game is capable of being dangerous on any surface. However, she undoubtedly plays her best tennis on hard courts. Former Wimbledon quarterfinalist Golubic’s game is more suited to grass and she also played well last week in Birmingham, narrowly losing to Leylah Fernandez in the second-round. The Swiss player to claim victory by being more solid over three sets.
Predictions: Golubic in 3
Daria Kasatkina vs Wang Xinyu
Head-to-head: Wang 1-0 Kasatkina
Wang defeated Kasatkina less than 12 months ago in Beijing. But a repeat of that is unlikely. Wang is most comfortable playing on hard courts and Kasatkina had a rare bad day at the office in their previous meeting. On grass, Kasatkina moves much better than Wang and is able to adapt her game better. Expect the 2018 Wimbledon quarterfinalist to be too crafty and consistent for Wang on grass.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 2
Sloane Stephens vs Emma Raducanu
Head-to-head: Raducanu 1-0 Stephens
How much Stephens believes she can win is a crucial part of this matchup. The American is capable of being a force on any surface but often does not seem to have the same confidence on grass compared to other surfaces. Admittedly, toppling Raducanu on grass will be particularly tough for Stephens. The 21-year-old’s flat shots will make it hard for the former French Open runner-up to use her athleticism. Raducanu is also very adept at attacking her opponent’s second serve, which is often a liability for Stephens. The 2021 US Open champion to progress in two sets.
Prediction: Raducanu in 2
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
