The WTA Serbia Open in Belgrade represents the last opportunity to build momentum going into the French Open. It’s been exciting play with some very unexpected upsets. Looking for a spot in the quarterfinal should bring about some competitive matches. Who’ll punch their ticket and who will end their title quest in Belgrade? We also predict the rest of the day’s matches in a separate article.
WTA Serbia Open Day 4 Predictions
Ajla Tomljanovic vs Rebecca Peterson
Head to head: Tomljanovic 4-1 Peterson
Both Ajla Tomljanovic and Rebecca Peterson had a good start to their Belgrade campaign. However, it was clearly Tomljanovic who commanded in her opener. The Aussie won 74% behind her first serve and brought in a remarkable 63% on her second delivery. Her aggressive return game allowed her to break Ivana Jorovic on five occasions. I think Tomljanovic is ready for this one, leading the head to head against Rebecca Peterson.
Peterson is the seventh seed and a capable clay courter. I expect she’ll be outplayed in this encounter.
Prediction: Tomljanovic in 2
Kamila Rakhimova vs Maria Camila Osorio Serrano
Head to head: First meeting
Which teen will triumph? Colombia’s Maria Camila Osorio Serrano will square off against Russia’s Kamila Rakhimova. Osorio Serrano had a strong start to her Serbia Open campaign shocking third seed Zhang Shuai in a three set clash. It’s been an impressive run for the Columbian. Osorio Serrano found her form in Charleston, where she reached the semifinals. She hit her stride in Bogota and clinched her first WTA title. Expect Osorio Serrano to reach her third successive quarterfinal in a straight sets win over Rakhimova.
Prediction: Osorio Serrano in 2
Viktoriya Tomova vs Leylah Fernandez
Head to head: First meeting
Both Viktoriya Tomova and Leylah Fernandez scored nice wins in their opening matches in Belgrade. Both enjoyed straight sets wins. It’s a boost for Fernandez, as the Canadian snapped a run of two consecutive first round losses. It seems the teen is finally finding her footing on the clay – and, none too soon. The lefty needs to build some momentum in advance of the French Open. And, it looks like she may just find it.
Tomova lost in qualifying rounds to Ana Konjuh but found a spot in the main draw as a Lucky Loser. Making the most of her second chance, the Bulgarian won her opener. Now, she’s making a bid for a quarterfinal berth. Yet, it’s not going to be an easy day at the office. Fernandez is building momentum and finding some good form. The teen never fails to surprise, and I expect Fernandez will prove too big a challenge for Tomova.
Prediction: Fernandez in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
