The four remaining second-round matches at the WTA Berlin Open will be played on Thursday, with a number of star names set to be in action in the German capital. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for every match on the slate, but who will book their slot in the quarterfinals?
WTA Berlin Day 4 Predictions
Linda Noskova vs Diane Parry
Head-to-head: Noskova 2-0 Parry
Playing in her first match on grass this season, Linda Noskova put up a solid performance to beat Renata Zarazua. She served nine aces in the match and won 90% of her first serve points. Noskova has a good game on grass, and if she can maintain her serving level, she will be hard to beat this week. Diane Parry, with her slices and variations, could be a challenge, but Noskova should be adjust to that challenge and win the match – even if she has to go the disttance to do so.
Prediction: Noskova in 3
Karolina Muchova vs Madison Keys
Head-to-head: Muchova 0-2 Keys
Seventh seed Karolina Muchova looked in a rush as she gave away just four games on her way to the victory in the first round against Zhang Shuai at WTA Berlin. Muchova has a great all-round game that works superbly on this surface, particularly thanks to her skill in the forecourt, and if she can stay healthy, she would be a contender for Wimbledon. She will have a huge test against Madison Keys, who is slowly but surely getting closer to her top level and who will get plenty of reward for her shots in these conditions. Expect a tight contest, but Muchova is the slight favourite for me thanks to her ability to disrupt opposition.
Prediction: Muchova in 3
Elina Svitolina vs Eva Lys
Head-to-head: Svitolina 1-0 Lys
Elina Svitolina is having the best season of her career and has made a strong start in her first grass-court match of the season. She defeated Anna Kalinskaya, who looked sick and had to retire in the second set. Eva Lys got her first-ever win at the Berlin Open in the first round against a quality opponent in Magdalena Frech. Lys did well to limit her unforced errors compared to her opponent, who hit plenty. Svitolina absolutely dismantled the German when they played in Stuttgart this year, but Lys may well put up a better fight this time.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Elena Rybakina vs Alexandra Eala
Head-to-head: Rybakina 1-0 Eala
Elena Rybakina, who recently turned 27, would be hoping to win a few matches this ahead of Wimbledon following her dismal showing at the Queen’s Club. She has a tough opener against Alexandra Eala, who is playing some solid tennis on grass and defeated Donna Vekic in the WTA Berlin first round. Rybakina has the superior game and experience, but a slow start could get her in trouble. She must be dialled in from the start, and she should be after last week’s early exit. Expect Rybakina to have the edge here.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
