The 2023 tennis season is upon us, as the WTA Tour has wasted no time in providing the fans with a loaded draw of intriguing matchups in Auckland. Young American Coco Gauff is the No. 1 overall seed and will get her 2023 campaign underway against the veteran Tatjana Maria. We at LWOT have the preview for that match and all other happenings around the grounds of Auckland including Sloane Stephens vs Rebeka Masarova. But who will advance?
WTA Auckland Day 2 Predictions
Xiyu Wang vs Karolina Muchova
Head-to-Head: first meeting
No. 5 seed Xiyu Wang is set to take on former World No. 19 Karolina Muchova in Round One in Auckland. This will be the first meeting between the two. The 21-year-old Wang had, by far, her most fruitful professional season in 2022. She posted a 41-25 record and reached four ITF Level finals. The lefty has a consistent yet tricky game that led her to three top-20 wins last season. On the other side of the net, Muchova hopes to have a year without injuries. The 26-year-old played just 23 matches last season. I expect these two to play an even match in Auckland, though I give the slight advantage to Wang as I believe she can handle the physicality of a deciding set.
Prediction: Wang in 3
Xinyu Wang vs Sofia Kenin
Head-to-Head: Kenin 1-0 Wang
24-year-old Sofia Kenin hopes 2023 is the year she recaptures the form that led her to be a top 5 ranked player on the WTA Tour. The American won just four tour-level matches last season as she tried to work her way back into form. Currently ranked No. 227 in the world, she has a lot of work to do. 21-year-old Wang Xinyu is looking to transition to the tour full-time after spending most of her young career playing ITF events. She strikes the ball exceptionally well from the baseline and will not be intimidated by the power of the American. Kenin won their only previous meeting 6-4 6-2. I expect this match to be more challenging, but I still slightly favor the American.
Prediction: Kenin in 3
Coco Gauff vs Tatjana Maria
Head-to-Head: first meeting
18-year-old Coco Gauff begins her 2023 season as the No. 1 overall seed in Auckland. She matches up with 2022 Wimbledon semifinalist Tatjana Maria for the first time. The 35-year-old Maria is coming off the most consistent season of her career. She won 17 tour-level matches and finished the year with an overall record of 47-29. Although a win over Maria Sakkari at Wimbledon proves the German can beat anyone on her best day, I have trouble finding a path to victory for her against Gauff. The young American is poised to continue her ascent to the top of the game in 2023.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
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