Day 4 of WTA Auckland is here! It’s been an incredible week of tennis in Auckland so far and the action continues on Thursday. Who will reach the quarterfinals and who will fall short? Read on to find out!
WTA Auckland Day 4 Predictions
Coco Gauff vs Laura Siegemund
Head to Head: never played
Coco Gauff battles Laura Siegemund in the second round of Auckland. Gauff played excellent tennis in her first round matchup against Viktoria Kuzmova, comfortably winning in straight sets. Laura Siegemund also comfortably beat her first round opponent, taking out lucky loser (and Gauff’s doubles partner) Caty McNally in straight sets.
These two have never played before. The Gauff forehand is the key shot in this match. If Gauff is able to play solid tennis on her forehand wing, she will win, as opponents will not want to go to her powerful backhand. Siegemund is good about using variety and keeping opponents’ off-balance. This will befuddle Gauff for a set, but Gauff is a little too good for Siegemund. Gauff moves on.
Prediction: Gauff in 3
Jil Teichmann vs Julia Goerges
Head to Head: never played
A space in the Auckland quarterfinals is up for grabs as Jil Teichmann tangles with Julia Goerges. While much of the end of Jil Teichmann’s 2019 season was disappointing, starting in Limoges and continuing into this tournament, her tennis has been top-notch. Teichmann’s back to effectively using her heavy lefty forehand. Julia Goerges did not have too much trouble with Greet Minnen in the first round. Goerges’ huge serve and powerful groundstrokes are so tough for opponents to handle.
These two have never played before. Teichmann’s biggest potential problem will be Goerges overwhelming her with her power. Goerges will try to position herself on or in front of the baseline and take the fight to Teichmann. Teichmann will have to make sure she’s not too far back in the court and try to dictate points with her forehand. Goerges, however, will have too much power for Teichmann to handle. Goerges moves on.
Prediction: Goerges in 2
Caroline Wozniacki vs Lauren Davis
Head to Head: 2-0 Wozniacki
Caroline Wozniacki plays Lauren Davis for a spot in the quarterfinals of Auckland. Caroline Wozniacki easily beat Paige Mary Hourigan, only losing one game in the match. After a wild first set that Lauren Davis won 7-6(7), she was able to better take control of the match and win the second set 6-2.
Wozniacki leads the head to head 2-0, with both matchups occurring on hard courts. Both players emphasize consistency from the baseline, and in general, both Wozniacki and Davis try to play a similar game. The problem for Davis is that Wozniacki just does everything better. The statistics from Wozniacki’s 6-1 6-3 win in Beijing last year are telling. Wozniacki had more aces, fewer double faults, a higher first serve percentage, more points won on the first and second serve, fewer break points faced, and a higher percentage of points won on first and second serve return. Wozniacki wins this one in straightforward fashion.
Prediction: Wozniacki in 2
Serena Williams vs Christina McHale
Head to Head: 3-0 Wiliams
Serena Williams takes on Christina McHale with a trip to the quarterfinals of Auckland at stake. Serena Williams’ play was at a very high level in the first round against Camila Giorgi. Williams was playing very effective power tennis, but also defended well when she needed to. If Williams continues that form, she will be very hard to beat. Christina McHale comfortably beat Ann Li in her first round matchup. McHale, however, will need to play the tennis of her life to beat Williams if Williams continues her high level of play.
Williams leads the head to head 3-0. The last matchup between the two was a tightly contested match at Wimbledon in 2016. While McHale is solid from the baseline, Williams has too much power for her. In addition, Williams’ rally tolerance is higher than McHale’s, meaning that Williams is better at hanging in rallies than McHale. Expect Williams to advance to the quarterfinals.
Prediction: Williams in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
Disagree with our WTA Auckland Day 4 Predictions? As always, feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments.
