The opening day of the WTA Strasbourg will feature a mix of main draw and qualifying matches. As always, we here at LWOT offer our predictions on every match on the slate. Who do you think will advance?
WTA Strasbourg Day 1 Predictions
McCartney Kessler vs Renata Zarazua
Head-to-head: Kessler 2-0 Zarazua
Kessler has enjoyed a fine introduction to life on the WTA Tour. She won her second career title at this level earlier this year and isn’t knocking at the door of the Top 40. It’s been a rapid rise. Clay remains one of the puzzles that she hasn’t conquered throughout her career. And qualifying for the Strasbourg main draw would be a step in the right direction. Zarazua is coming off a stunning comeback victory against Cristina Bucsa. The Mexican is more at home on this surface, but if Kessler plays with so much attacking flair, she’ll be a handful.
Prediction: Kessler in 2
Leylah Fernandez vs Diane Parry
Head-to-head: Parry 1-0 Fernandez
Fernandez is at risk of heading to the French Open with just one clay-court win. On current form, she will easily be a potential prey in Paris for the unseeded players. But she can change that if she puts together a strong week in Strasbourg. Her opening match isn’t the most lenient. Parry is one of the most elegant shot-makers on the WTA Tour, although she’s prone to making the most basic fundamental errors. Fernandez should navigate this contest.
Prediction: Fernandez in 2
Yulia Putintseva vs Rebecca Sramkova
Head-to-head: first meeting
Historically, clay tends to bring the best out of Putintseva. But the short-tempered Kazakh has registered one tour-level win on the surface this season. And that came right at the start of the swing in Charleston against Chinese veteran Shuai Zhang. Sramkova hasn’t played a lot of clay-court tennis since April, but confidence won’t be in short supply after her recent performance against Jelena Ostapenko in Rome. She took a set from the Latvian. Sramkova is also facing Putintseva at her most vulnerable moment. Expect her to bag a priceless win.
Prediction: Sramkova in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
