An action-packed opening day at the WTA Berlin Open features three Top 10 players on the schedule. American World No. 10 Emma Navarro faces the toughest test to make the second round when she takes on Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk. Who will progress?
WTA Berlin Day 1 Predictions
Sofia Kenin vs Rebeka Masarova
Head-to-head: first meeting
For a player with so much attacking intent, it’s a huge surprise that Masarova hasn’t excelled on this surface. But she might have solved that puzzle. Masarova is enjoying her most productive grass swing this year with five wins from seven matches. Two were in qualifying for this tournament. Kenin was forced to navigate a tough path in qualifying and nearly squandered a 5-1 lead in the deciding set against Tomljanovic. Masarova brings pace, and that will put Kenin in defense mode.
Prediction: Masarova in 3
Paula Badosa vs Eva Lys
Head-to-head: first meeting
Both players are kicking off their Wimbledon preparations in Berlin. Badosa must hope that her back injury is fully healed because she’s got points to defend this swing. Lys is one of three wild cards looking to impress in her main draw debut in this tournament. Quicker points will certainly favor Badosa, who will be in a hurry to ensure she doesn’t overindulge in this match because of her persistent back issue. Expect the Spaniard’s experience to overwhelm the young German.
Prediction: Badosa in 2
Marta Kostyuk vs Emma Navarro
Head-to-head: Navarro 2-0 Kostyuk
Kostyuk and Navarro are two of the best movers on tour, and there’s not a lot separating them in the ranking or age. Navarro had a shambolic clay-court swing that culminated with a brutal 0-6 1-6 French Open defeat against Bouzas Maneiro. She is a player who needs to get into rhythm to play her best tennis. Kostyuk also underperformed in Paris, but I trust her to turn the tide and pick up her first win over a vulnerable Navarro.
Prediction: Kostyuk in 3
Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
