It promises to be a great day of tennis in Hua Hin. The No. 2 seed, Katerina Siniakova, is one of the players scheduled to play on Day 1 of the WTA-250 tournament. There are seven matches on the slate in total. We at LWOT predict all the matches here and in a separate article, including Katie Volynets vs Clara Tauson. But which players do you think will win?
WTA Hua Hin Day 1 Predictions
Lanlana Tararudee vs Thasaporn Naklo
Head-to-head: First meeting
This is a battle of the two local wild cards. Tararudee has enjoyed a slightly more accomplished career to date. The 20-year-old reached a career-high ranking of No. 175 at the end of July. Thasaporn is also enjoying the best season of her career but has yet to break into the Top 300. Her compatriot is a slightly better player at the moment, making her the favorite to progress.
Prediction: Tararudee in 2
Viktorija Golubic vs Wang Xiyu
Head-to-head: Golubic 2-0 Wang
Both players had pretty underwhelming North American hardcourt seasons. Wang’s issues go back further than that. Her level has nosedived since her run to the final of the ATX Open at the start of March. Golubic is not in her prime, but her playing style has caused Wang issues in the past. The Swiss player’s spin from her forehand and one-handed backhand does not suit Wang and could give her the edge again.
Prediction: Wang in 3
Varvara Gracheva vs Taylah Preston
Head-to-head: First meeting
This is not a bad draw for either woman. 18-year-old Preston is inexperienced at this level, while Gracheva, aside from a run to the fourth round of the French Open, has struggled throughout 2024. Preston received a wild card at the recent US Open. But she showed how much work her game needs during a 2-6 0-6 thrashing by the 2021 French Open runner-up Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. Gracheva should have enough to overcome Preston despite her challenging year to date.
Prediction: Gracheva in 2
Katerina Siniakova vs Arina Rodionova
Head-to-head: Siniakova 1-0 Rodionova
Rodionova deserves credit for having one of her best seasons at age 34. She qualified for her first Grand Slam main draw since the 2021 Australian Open at the US Open. Her only previous meeting against Siniakova was all the way back in 2014. The Czech has not set the world alight in singles in 2024. However, her record in opening rounds is solid; the following round is usually her problem. Siniakova’s solidity and vastly superior backhand will likely make the difference in this matchup.
Prediction: Siniakova in 2
Main Photo Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports
