It’s been an exciting week of tennis in Monterrey and Thursday is setting up to be no different. Four exciting singles matches, including Elina Svitolina and Olga Govortsova, are on the schedule on Day at Monterrey, with appearances in the quarterfinals at stake. Who will rise to the occasion and who will fall short? Read on to find out!
WTA Monterrey Day 4 Predictions
Tamara Zidansek vs Anastasia Potapova
Head to Head: 1-0 Potapova
Tamara Zidansek comfortably took down a rusty Victoria Azarenka. Zidansek controlled the court with her forehand and didn’t let an erratic Azarenka into the match. Anastasia Potapova won a tight three-setter over Giulia Gatto-Monticone. The difficulty that Potapova had in putting away Gatto-Monticone was not encouraging.
Potapova won the only meeting between the two on the clay of Moscow, with Zidansek retiring in the third set. That was a home tournament for Potapova in Russia, however, so the dynamic will be different in this one. Yes, Azarenka wasn’t great against Zidansek, but Zidansek still played at a fairly high level. If she brings that level into this match, she will be able to hit through a more defensive Potapova to reach the quarterfinals. Expect Zidansek to move on.
Prediction: Zidansek in 3
Tatjana Maria vs Johanna Konta
Head to Head: never played
Tatjana Maria had an impressive first round win over Acapulco champion Heather Watson. Maria was very mentally tough recovering from a double break deficit in the third set to win 7-5. Johanna Konta had a comfortable straight sets win in the first round over Kim Clijsters. It was a big win for Konta as it was her first victory in 2020.
These two have never played before. Maria’s slice-and-dice game is very tough for opponents to handle, especially one who hasn’t experienced much winning lately, like Konta. However, quite frankly, Konta is the much better player and she will be able to eventually overpower Maria and advance to the Monterrey quarterfinals.
Prediction: Konta in 3
Lauren Davis vs Arantxa Rus
Head to Head: never played
Lauren Davis had an impressive straight sets win over Nadia Podoroska in the first round. Davis bageled Podoroska in the first set and comfortably won the second set to reach the second round. Arantxa Rus was very lucky when Varvara Flink retired in the first set of their opening round match in Monterrey. Rus plays a classic lefty game and can be dangerous when her game is clicking.
These two have never played before. Davis’ level in her first round match was very impressive. She is more consistent from the baseline than Rus and her backhand should be able to hold up when Rus goes crosscourt with her forehand. Davis will be a quarterfinalist in Monterrey.
Prediction: Davis in 2
Elina Svitolina vs Olga Govortsova
Head to Head: never played
Elina Svitolina had a straightforward win over Danka Kovinic in the first round of Monterrey. Svitolina was so consistent from the baseline, Kovinic really struggled to finish points. Olga Govortsova is having a great run of form and that continued in her opening match, when she beat Caroline Dolehide in three sets.
These two have never played before. While Govortsova’s form has been superb, Svitolina is a different caliber of opponent compared to what she has played in recent matches. Svitolina’s rally tolerance is on another level compared to Govortsova and the Ukranian will be in the Monterrey quarterfinals.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Elina Svitolina Main Photo:
