The WTA grass-court tournament in Nottingham continues. On the third day of action, there are some surprisingly high-ranked players competing at a tournament of this level. We’ve tried to predict Maria Sakkari’s clash with Alize Cornet, home hope Heather Watson’s match with Tatjana Maria and more at LWOT.
WTA Nottingham Day 3 Predictions
Magdalena Frech vs Lin Zhu
Head-to-head: 1-1
Lin Zhu is in the top 50 by virtue of her title in Hua Hin at the start of the year. It was a fairly underpowered tournament, however, and realistically her ranking’s a little unreflective of her level.
There still won’t be much to separate her and Magdalena Frech but the Pole has had some promising results on this surface that potentially set her slightly apart. Her A-game should be able to unpick Zhu.
Prediction: Frech in 3
Tatjana Maria vs Heather Watson
Head-to-head: Maria 2-1 Watson
There’s something about the Brits playing on grass. Whether it’s their lengthy preparation or the home support, there has rarely been a grass season without a British breakout. Heather Watson seems to be the home hope to watch having dispatched her last three opponents with relative ease, including a straight sets win over Jule Niemeier who knocked her out of Wimbledon in the round of 16 last year.
Tatjana Maria is so good at dampening amped-up opponents, however. Her record of 59-28 on grass speaks for itself–her slices are nightmarish to deal with on the low bouncing courts of Nottingham. For all of the energy Watson will bring to this match, Maria will likely prove a step too far.
Prediction: Maria in 3
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Viktoria Golubic vs Donna Vekic
Head-to-head: First meeting
This should be a high quality affair with both Donna Vekic and Viktoria Golubic suited to this surface. Vekic’s power is taken to an extreme in quick conditions whilst Golubic’s slice and all-court game are perfect for taking advantage of the natural courts.
Golubic’s level has diminished slightly in recent times, however, having dropped to #150 in the world, whilst the blistering pace from Vekic’s racket still remains. Given their respective forms, Vekic gets the edge here.
Prediction: Vekic in 2
Maria Sakkari vs Alize Cornet
Head-to-head: Sakkari 3-0 Cornet
Maria Sakkari’s form shouldn’t be a cause for concern. She was dealt a pretty rough hand in her three early exits throughout the clay season and she’s still #13 in the WTA race, higher than many would expect her to be. The reality is Sakkari is still taking care of business against the majority of the tour.
Alize Cornet is no joke on this surface but, with the Frenchwoman not quite at her best, we still think Sakkari has the power to eventually come through this one.
Prediction: Sakkari in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
