One of the most exciting storylines on day two in Budapest will be the quality that the Hungarian stars can show. Both Panna Udvardy and Dalma Galfi improved their games massively in the past year or so, and they’ll be hungry for a good result at home. Laura Siegemund and Aleksandra Krunic face off in a vintage matchup that somehow had never happened before. We also have predictions for matches featuring Yulia Putintseva vs Anna-Karolina Schmiedlova.
Despina Papamichail vs Dalma Galfi
Head-to-head: Galfi 1-0
While Dalma Galfi could potentially be a bit tired from her runner-up run at Contrexeville last week, it’s impossible not to note the progress that the Hungarian has made in the past year or so. She’s developed into a very high-level ITF player and will be making some strides on the WTA Tour soon as well. Especially with the home crowd behind her, it’s hard to imagine Galfi struggling in this one.
Prediction: Galfi in 2
Ana Bogdan vs Panna Udvardy
Head-to-head: Bogdan 2-0
Ana Bogdan leads the head-to-head after two meetings, but this will probably be her toughest match against Panna Udvardy yet. The Hungarian made a stunning ranking jump last year, aided by five titles on the ITF circuit. She hasn’t been playing that well in 2022, but remains very dangerous on her day. She’ll also be in slightly better clay rhythm than Bogdan, following a quarterfinal appearance at Bastad last week.
Prediction: Udvardy in 3
Rebecca Peterson vs Laura Pigossi
Head-to-head: First meeting
Laura Pigossi’s form seems to have dropped off a cliff in recent weeks, including a final qualifying round defeat to Jesika Maleckova here. She’s still not an easy opponent by any means, but Rebecca Peterson will be happy to run into her at this point in time. The Swede produced a couple of fine displays in Bastad last week and should pick up another win here.
Prediction: Peterson in 3
Laura Siegemund vs Aleksandra Krunic
Head-to-head: First meeting
Can Laura Siegmund still be a threat to win WTA events at 34? That remains to be seen, but the veteran German has always been at her best on clay courts, making full use of her variety to confuse the opponents. She’s slowly finding her form back too. In June, she won back-to-back ITF events in Annenheim and Poertschach. Aliaksandra Krunic will not give her an easy time, but the German should still have the higher ceiling on this surface.
Prediction: Siegemund in 3
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