It should be another entertaining day of WTA Osaka tennis. We at LWOT predict the matches of the 2021 US Open runner-up Leylah Fernandez, American star Alycia Parks, and Elise Mertens here. The other contests, including Bianca Andreescu vs. Viktorija Golubic and Alexandra Eala vs. Tereza Valentova, are predicted in separate articles. But who will advance?
WTA Osaka Day 2 Predictions
Alycia Parks vs Dalma Galfi
Head-to-head: First meeting
Parks has lost six consecutive matches without winning a set. Galfi hits flat and plays on the front foot without possessing her opponent’s power. If Parks plays her best, especially on-serve, she will defeat Galfi. But backing her against anyone is tough after such a barren run of form. It feels like the season is ending, and some time away from the WTA Tour might be ideal for the American.
Prediction: Galfi in 2
Elise Mertens vs Cristina Bucsa
Head-to-head: Bucsa 2-1 Mertens
In their previous meetings, Bucsa caused Mertens problems, including defeating her at the 2025 US Open. The Belgian is more comfortable counter-punching and frustrating opponents. That makes Busca’s style of flat shots, which lack much pace, challenging and has left her unsure of when to attack. After a lengthy season filled with highs and lows, Mertens might be facing her Spanish opponent at an inopportune moment.
Prediction: Bucsa in 3
Leylah Fernandez vs Hailey Baptiste
Head-to-head: First meeting
Fernandez has played better than her recent results indicate. She was competitive against the eventual champion, Aryna Sabalenka, at the US Open. She also lost close three-set battles against Coco Gauff, who recently set a record, and Naomi Osaka at the China Open and Wuhan Open. The Canadian won three matches at those tournaments, and her level in those would be good enough to win in Osaka. Baptiste has enjoyed a career-best season and pushed Jessica Pegula to a deciding set tiebreak in Wuhan. Nonetheless, she needs Fernandez to be below her best to make an upset possible.
Prediction: Fernandez in 2
Main Photo Credit: David Kirouac – USA TODAY Sports
