The first round of 16 matches will be played on day three at the WTA Athens Open on what should be an entertaining day of tennis in the Greek capital. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate, as well as all the action at WTA Iasi. But who will win through to the quarterfinals Athens Olympic Tennis Centre?
WTA Athens Day 3 Predictions
Zheng Qinwen vs Elena Micic
Head-to-head: first meeting
Zheng Qinwen performed superbly against Jessica Bouzas Maneiro to win her WTA Athens opener. After a competitive, high-quality opening set, the 2024 Olympic Gold Medalist raced away to a 7-6 6-1 victory and will surely have taken real confidence from the way she closed the match out against a potentailly dangerous opponent. Elena Micic defeated Martha Matoula, but will almost certainly need to play better against Zheng. Although the Chinese player has been inconsistent since returning from injury, she should progress against Micic.
Prediction: Zheng in 2
Sara Bejlek vs Lilli Tagger
Head-to-head: first meeting
Both women have somewhat similar styles, but Sara Bejlek possesses more firepower – which may prove to be decisive in relatively quick conditions at the WTA Athens Open. Indeed, djusting to her opponent’s shots may prove challenging for Lilli Tagger on a lively court in the hot Greek weather. It will likely be an entertaining match, featuring good shot-making from both players. On balance, Bejlek is the most likely winner. Expect the Czech to advance here.
Prediction: Bejlek in 3
Alycia Parks vs Mai Hontama
Head-to-head: Parks 1-1 Hontama
It has been almost 12 months since these two last played. Alycia Parks comfortably overcame Maia Hontama at the Prague Open with a powerful and imposing performance and will probably back herself to win again here. The American is the more talented player, and the outcome of this match is largely on her racket. Although Parks has struggled for form in the last couple of months, she should be confident of securing a place in the WTA Athens quarterfinals against an opponent who cannot match her power.
Prediction: Parks in 2
Maria Sakkari vs Harriet Dart
Head-to-head: Sakkari 1-0 Dart
Harriet Dart ended a run of four consecutive defeats in the opening round by narrowly beating Mina Hodzic 6-3 3-6 7-6. Maria Sakkari, meanwhile, produced a better performance in her 6-0 7-6 success over Polina Kudermetova. The home favorite will almost certainly be the aggressor against Dart, especially with her forehand. While Sakkari might feel the pressure of playing in front of her home crowd in the later rounds when the going gets tougher, that probably will be relevant here. That makes a victory for her more likely and she should advance to the WTA Athens quarterfinals without too much difficulty.
Prediction: Sakkari in 2
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
