Six first-round matches are scheduled on Day 2 of the WTA Guadalajara Open Akron, including the highly anticipated return of former US Open champion Sloane Stephens. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for every match on the slate, but who will advance to the second round?
WTA Guadalajara Day 2 Predictions
Polina Kudermetova vs Marina Stakusic
Head-to-Head: first meeting
It was not a great North American hard-court swing for Polina Kudermetova, as she won just two matches and will be looking for some match wins this week. However, she has a tough opener against last year’s quarterfinalist, Marina Stakusic, who was on a four-match losing streak in all competition before this event. Stakusic defeated Jelena Ostapenko en route to her quarterfinal last year, but her current form leaves a lot of room for improvement.
Prediction: Kudermetova in 3
Tatjana Maria vs Zeynep Sonmez
Head-to-Head: first meeting
38-year-old Tatjana Maria had a wonderful grass season, but has fallen off significantly since then and is in danger of losing another first-round match. Zeynep Sonmez put up a great fight in her last match against Marta Kostyuk at the US Open, and I expect her to make a winning debut at the Guadalajara Open.
Prediction: Sonmez in 3
Sloane Stephens vs Lucrezia Stefanini
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Sloane Stephens is making her return after an extended hiatus and will play for the first time in six months. She has been navigating the worst phase of her career and is on a 10-match losing streak. This break may benefit her in the long run, but she will also be rusty and will struggle in the beginning. Lucrezia Stefanini played two great matches in the qualifiers and is the favourite to win this match. Stephens can blow away most players on her day, but it will be hard to it after a lengthy gap.
Prediction: Stefanini in 3
Main Photo Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
