The first four WTA Bogota round-of-16 matches will be completed on Day 3. Anna Blinkova and former Wimbledon semifinalist Tatjana Maria are among the women set to play. As always, we here at LWOT give our predictions and analysis, but which players do you think will win?
WTA Bogota Day 3 Predictions
Despina Papamichail vs Darja Semenistaja
Head-to-head: First meeting
Both players comfortably triumphed in the previous round. Papamichail beat Anastasia Tikhonova, while Semenistaja only dropped four games against the No. 5 seed Ella Seidel. Each woman has been most comfortable on clay over the years. However, Semensistaja’s ceiling is higher, and her excellent performance in the last round must have provided her with confidence.
Prediction: Semenistaja in 2
Panna Udvardy vs Julieta Pareja
Head-to-head: First meeting
The tournament in Bogotá is special to 17-year-old Pareja because she is of Colombian descent. Her semifinal run at the event 12 months ago generated much attention. Although Udvardy is a capable player on clay, I like Pareja’s chances of reaching the quarterfinals again. The crowd loves her, and the conditions suit the teenager’s game.
Prediction: Pareja in 3
Tatjana Maria vs Katarzyna Kawa
Head-to-head: First meeting
These two have fond memories of this event. Maria was the 2022 and 2023 champion, while Kawa reached her second WTA singles final at last year’s iteration. Maria was on a six-match losing streak before snapping it in the opening round on Monday. Although she seems to be generally declining, I back Maria’s game slightly more in the Colombian conditions. Kawa’s run 12 months ago was very unexpected and unlikely to be repeated.
Prediction: Maria in 2
Anna Blinkova vs Julia Riera
Head-to-head: First meeting
This tournament is an ideal opportunity for a player like Blinkova, who has a consistently solid level without getting near the very top, to win a title. Nonetheless, she cannot afford any complacency against Riera, who is most comfortable on clay. The Argentine will undoubtedly scrap hard and put many balls into play, but Blinkova should have enough to triumph.
Prediction: Blinkova in 2
Main Photo Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports
