Day two at the WTA Berlin Open saw players still finding their form on grass. After a lengthy clay-court swing, it’s quite an adjustment to the quick and slick grass. On day three in the German capita, there are four exciting matches kicking off the second round. Who will move on after day three?
WTA Berlin Open Day 3 Predictions
Aryna Sabalenka vs Madison Keys
Head-to-head: Sabalenka 1-0 Keys
Aryna Sabalenka has enjoyed a successful 2021 season. She has found a way to add a touch of control to her game. Gone are the errant balls and struggles on serve. The Belarusian has found the mental toughness to keep her from going off the rails. After her Madrid title, Sabalenka appeared one of the true contenders at the French Open. Pavlyuchenkova derailed that plan in the third round. Now, Sabalenka is playing her career best – yet, grass is the surface the Top Seed struggles with the most. It will be interesting to see how Sabalenka navigates the slick surface.
Keys has endured a dismal 2021. The French Open is the first tournament in which the American won two matches in a row. Fortunately, Keys finds success on grass. Perhaps she’ll be able to find placement on that powerful forehand and placement on the serve. Indeed, when Keys is on point, she’s a dangerous player. However, I think Keys’ inaccuracy and inconsistency isn’t gone. Sure, she’ll put up a fight. But, Sabalenka will own the big moments.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 3
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Alize Cornet vs Bianca Andreescu
Head-to-head: first meeting
Canada’s #1 continues to battle illness and injury. But, even after taking a year off, Andreescu can return to tournament play without missing a beat. That easy acclimation should serve Andreescu well on the transition to grass. An unexciting clay-court swing should be considered an anomaly. Andreescu made a run to the quarterfinal in Strasbourg before withdrawing on injury. However, Tamara Zidansek ended Andreescu’s French Open campaign at the start. While Alize Cornet had an impressive start to her Berlin Open campaign, she simply cannot match the third seed’s variety and shot-making ability.
Prediction: Andreescu in 2
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Belinda Bencic vs Petra Martic
Head to head: Martic 1-0 Bencic
This match should be a real competition. You have two players who had hard-earned wins in their openers. And, both matches took more than two hours to complete. Yet, those encounters should serve as confidence builders. There’s little that separates these two, so I expect a very close contest. The edge goes to Bencic who has a better overall record on grass and should be a tad bit fresher.
Prediction: Bencic in 3
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Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Elina Svitolina
Head to head: Svitolina 3-0 Alexandrova
Elina Svitolina has been firmed camped in the top 10 for quite some time. And, with good reason. The Ukrainian is a consistent and strategic player. No doubt, the second seed can keep balls in play. However, Ekaterina Alexandrova has a lot more power and can work the grass to her advantage. There’s no easy win in store for Svitolina. That said, I’m sure the Ukrainian will be pleased with a difficult win.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
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