Day 1 at the WTA Qatar Total Open in Doha saw some great tennis. Elise Mertens her opening round against China’s Wang Qiang. Caroline Garcia fell in straight sets to American Bernarda Pera. Svetlana Kuznetsova’s resurgent continues with a straight sets win. Kristina Mladenovic was dismissed by Russia’s Veronika Kudermetova.
Here are our predictions for Day 2 in Doha. This set of predictions features four matches, including red hot Elena Rybakina vs wildcard Sorana Cirstea. We also have two other sets–featuring WTA Doha Day 2 Predictions Including Kiki Bertens vs Karolina Muchova and Elina Svitolina vs Amanda Anisimova
WTA Doha Day 2 Predictions
Donna Vekic vs Iga Swiatek
Head to head: Vekic 0-1 Swiatek
Ending the 2019 season with an injury probably wasn’t Iga Swiatek’s ideal. But the young up-and-comer has a long tennis career ahead of her. So, a few month of recuperation shouldn’t much matter. Voted the best dropshot by fans, that is only one dimension of the young Pole’s amazing game. The ability to switch from a cleverly disguised slice backhand to a blazing two-hander is another aspect of the 18-year-old’s craft. Her off-season focus on the mental aspect should further Swiatek’s rankings climb. Perhaps that part of the catalyst for her 202,0 6-1 win-loss record. I see Swiatek making a deep run in Doha.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Alison Riske vs Jennifer Brady
Head to head: Riske 1-1 Brady
Last year, Alison Riske and Jen Brady squared off in the qualifying rounds. A much different look this year – both Americans start their Doha campaign in the main draw, thanks to remarkable 2019 seasons. Now, Riske and Brady will battle it out for a second round berth in Doha.
Perhaps the oddsmakers know something I don’t. On all accounts, Riske is expected to win this clash. Yet, Brady impressed last week in Dubai. The qualifier reached the semifinals where she fell to eventual champion Simona Halep. Riske, on the other hand, had a disappointing outing, enduring a first-round upset by Ons Jabeur. In the loss, Riske had 34 unforced errors an 11 double faults.
Against Brady, Riske will quickly fall if her errant balls continue. I just don’t see Riske cleaning up her game. Brady has started 2020 strong, accumulating an 11-4 win-loss record. It’s hard to pick against Brady when she’s playing at this level.
Prediction: Brady in 3
Maria Sakkari vs Julia Goerges
Head to head: Sakkari 1-3 Goerges
Greece’s Maria Sakkari and Germany’s Julia Goerges meet in the first round in Doha. It’s an interesting match-up in which Goerges owns the head-to-head 3-1. Yet, Sakkari is coming off a solid run to the semifinals in St. Petersburg.
Julia Goerges met with disappointment in Dubai. The German lost her qualifying round to Romanian Sorana Cirstea. If the Grecian plays with controlled aggression, it’s difficult to see her losing this opener.
Prediction: Sakkari in 2
Sorana Cirstea vs Elena Rybakina
Head to head: First meeting
Elena Rybakina should be considered a serious threat at any tournament. The Kazakh has reached four finals in 2020, including one title at Hobart. In fact, the Australian Open is the only tournament in which the 20-year-old didn’t reach a final in 2020. Impressive, to say the least. Wildcard Sorana Cirstea will find it difficult to challenge the red hot form of Rybakina.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
