Second round matches continue on Day 4 of WTA Cincinnati as many top players take the field. This article features Elina Svitolina, who will take on Barbora Krejcikova in a highly anticipated match. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for every match on the slate. But who will advance?
WTA Cincinnati Day 4 Predictions
Magda Linette vs Rebecca Sramkova
Head-to-Head: Linette 1-1 Sramkova
Magda Linette got the bye in the first round as she is the 31st seed here and will be looking to improve her form before the US Open. She has won just 1 of her last six matches, and her second serve has been a liability. Rebecca Sramkova defeated Caroline Dolehide from a set down in the first round. It was a much-needed win for the Slovakian, who has also struggled recently. Both players have contrasting game styles, and it will be interesting to see who can come out on top. This is a coin flip for me.
Prediction: Sramkova in 3
Clara Tauson vs Ajla Tomljanovic
Head-to-Head: Tauson 1-2 Tomljanovic
It was an emotional tournament for Clara Tauson in Montreal as she lost her Grandfather two days before her brilliant win over Madison Keys. Despite the emotional weight, she maintained focus and reached the semifinals. She has never beaten Ajla Tomljanovic on hard courts before, but her form is good enough to suggest she is ready this time. Tomljanovic is a former quarterfinalist here but has been in terrible form. I am going with the player from Denmark.
Prediction: Tauson in 3
Belinda Bencic vs Veronika Kudermetova
Head-to-Head: Bencic 6-4 Kudermetova
These two players know each other incredibly well, as they meet for the 11th time. Belinda Bencic double bagelled Veronika Kudermetova in their most recent match in Abu Dhabi, leaving a lasting impression. Kudermetova will be looking to take revenge, and she has got some form back recently. There’s not much these two can do to surprise each other, so whoever executes their best tennis will win. On paper, Bencic is the one with the advantage, but it should be close.
Prediction: Bencic in 3
Elina Svitolina vs Barbora Krejcikova
Head-to-Head: Svitolina 0-2 Krejcikova
Elina Svitolina has been in great form this season and has shown consistency throughout. She came against a red-hot Naomi Osaka in Montreal and will look to start again strongly. However, she is unlucky to face Barbora Krejcikova, who looked great towards the end of her first-round match. When Krejcikova gets some match wins and confidence, it’s hard to stop her, and Svitolina will hope she’s not there yet. Krejcikova doesn’t have the power of Osaka, but her versatility and precision can hurt the Ukrainian. However, Krejcikova can be inconsistent and spray errors, which will benefit Svitolina.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
