The action at the WTA Stuttgart Open is set to continue on day four with the 500-level event boasting what is surely one of the most stacked draws in the history of the tour. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate including Iga Swiatek vs Zheng Qinwen , but who will secure their spot in the quarterfinals?
WTA Stuttgart Day 4 Predictions
Coco Gauff vs Anastasia Potapova
Head-to-head: Gauff 2-1 Potapova
In a rematch of their Miami clash, Anastasia Potapova and Coco Gauff will likely put on a fantastic show. Potapova took their last meeting–this almost feels more dangerous for Gauff than that match, however. If the American is at all off in her movement, the time afforded to Potapova’s forehand will be absolutely devastating. Gauff wasn’t completely convincing against Kudermetova in her first-round so we’re going to back the Russian to pull off an other tight win.
Prediction: Potapova in 3
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Karolina Pliskova vs Donna Vekic
Head-to-head: Pliskova 6-1 Vekic
It’s no secret clay is Karolina Pliskova’s least favourite surface. She can still hit a mean ball on the surface, however, and in the steady indoor conditions of Stuttgart, the difference in pace makes little difference given the insane trajectory of Pliskova’s serve.
Donna Vekic will have the advantage from the back of the court and absolutely shouldn’t be underrated. There are sleeping giant qualities to Pliskova’s game that can’t be ignored, however. She’s scored a lot of wins this year without much recognition, dispatching very tough opponents without receiving the plaudits. This one will be close but a deep run at a tournament is overdue for the Czech.
Prediction: Pliskova in 3
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Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Elena Rybakina
Head-to-head: Haddad Maia 1-0 Rybakina
This one has great potential. Though some consider Elena Rybakina’s worst surface to be clay, she’s more of an all-surface player. There are facets of her game that shine greater in some contexts than others. She benefits from time on the forehand that isn’t as easily afforded to her as on grass. She can cut the singles line with her backhand to spread the court beautifully on the red dirt, whilst the indoor conditions should help her serve.
Beatriz Haddad Maia’s game could conversely take a hit on clay. She benefits a lot from her sliding serve in the ad court on grass–this asset will be less useful here and may leave her struggling to win free points. Fighting Rybakina’s backhand with her own lefty forehand will also likely be a losing battle. There are many advantages going the Kazakhstani’s way.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Main photo credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
