Defending champion Marie Bouzkova headlines second-round action at the WTA Prague Open. Four matches are scheduled on Day 3, but who will advance to the quarterfinals?
WTA Prague Day 3 Predictions
Dominika Salkova vs Oceane Dodin
Head-to-head: first meeting
After her retirement at the Nottingham ITF, there were questions on whether Dodin would be fit to play in Prague. The Frenchwoman showed no signs of discomfort as she cruised past Alisa Oktiabreva in straight sets. But Salkova has the higher floor than her compatriot Okbiatreva, and the Czech qualifier secured a precious win over the fast-rising Antonia Ruzic in the first round. On hard courts, Dodin’s power will always give her a chance, but once Salkova starts reading the serve, the rallies should tilt in her favor.
Prediction: Salkova in 3
Marie Bouzkova vs Carol Young Suh Lee
Head-to-head: first meeting
Bouzkova’s title win last year looks even more impressive in hindsight (she defeated Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova). She kicked off her title defense with another gritty performance in a 7-5 7-5 victory against Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. Suh Lee is making her WTA main draw debut in Prague, and the 24-year-old beat Veronika Podrez in three sets. This run from qualifying shouldn’t be a huge surprise in the form she is in (won 11 of her last 13 matches), but Bouzkova will be a step up in class for her.
Prediction: Bouzkova in 2
Daria Snigur vs Ayla Aksu
Head-to-head: Snigur 1-0 Aksu
It’s taken a few years, but at 24, Snigur is finally fulfilling her immense potential. She’s won 37 matches this season, and one more win will most likely guarantee a Top 50 debut. Aksu entered the main draw as a lucky loser and, ironically, defeated Sofia Costoulas (the same opponent she lost to in qualifying). That said, Aksu is likely to spend too much time on the defense in this match against one of the tour’s most aggressive baseliners.
Prediction: Snigur in 2
Maya Joint vs Tereza Valentova
Head-to-head: Valentova 1-0 Joint
Last year, Joint emerged as one of the brightest talents on tour, but she’s clearly been overtaken by Valentova in that regard. The Czech delivered a controlled and efficient performance at the Australian Open, where she beat Joint in straight sets. Her ability to strike the ball cleanly while making smart decisions under pressure is probably one of the reasons I rate her so highly. With the home crowd behind her, Valentova will be tough to beat this week.
Prediction: Valentova in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
