There are five matches scheduled for Day 4 of the WTA Bad Homburg Open. Liudmila Samsonova vs Katerina Siniakova is still to be completed after bad light stopped their match in the second set on Day 3. The four remaining Round of 16 contests are also on the slate. As always, we at LWOT offer our predictions and analysis. But which players do you think will progress to the quarterfinals?
WTA Bad Homburg Day 4 Predictions
Diana Shnaider vs Dayana Yastremska
Head-to-head: First meeting
Shnaider showed how dangerous her playing style is on grass during her victory against the former Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber. Yastremska also possesses a powerful game, meaning this should be a fun match to watch. It is also a difficult one to predict, but Shnaider is given a slight edge in this matchup. Yastremska has been very inconsistent since her run to the Australian Open semifinal; struggling to win two matches in a row. Shnaider will also be tough for most players to stop if she repeats the level she was at against Kerber.
Prediction: Shnaider in 3
Emma Navarro vs Peyton Stearns
Head-to-head: Navarro 3-1 Stearns
Neither of these Americans have much experience playing on grass. It is probably not the surface that best suits Navarro’s style of athleticism and her heavy topspin forehand. Nonetheless, she is still backed to reach the quarterfinals. Although Stearns’ power could cause problems on grass, Navarro is more likely to adapt and keep her composure on a less suitable surface than Stearns is. That mentality could be the difference.
Prediction: Navarro in 3
Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Anna Blinkova
Head-to-head: Haddad Maia 3-0 Blinkova
Having lost her previous two grass-court matches this season, Blinkova surprised some by comfortably defeating the recent runner-up in ‘S-Hertogenbosch Bianca Andreescu. She has never beaten Haddad Maia, although this will be their first meeting on grass. But the Brazilian is the favourite to make it four wins in a row against Blinkova. The Russian does not quite have enough power to disrupt Haddad Maia, which is the best way of beating her. Instead, the former French Open semifinalist is likely to feel comfortable redirecting Blinkova’s pace.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 2
Caroline Wozniacki vs Veronika Kudermetova
Head-to-head: Kudermetova 1-1 Wozniacki
Both players won tough three-set battles to reach this stage. Wozniacki overcame Elina Svitolina, while Kudermetova recovered from a set and 2-4 down against Diane Parry. Kudermetova has been very inconsistent this season, but she she is capable of triumphing against the former Australian Open champion if she is near her best. Understandably, Wozniacki is not quite as good at soaking up pressure with her defensive skills as earlier in her career. That makes Kudermetova’s firepower on grass problematic. Her comeback against Parry might also be what she needs to breathe life into her previously faltering year.
Prediction: Kudermetova in 2
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
