Bernarda Pera had a fantastic post-Wimbledon clay swing last year, winning Budapest and Hamburg back-to-back. Her first title defense will start against Diana Shnaider in the opening round of the 2023 WTA Hungarian Grand Prix in Budapest. Who do you think will advance to the next stage of the tournament? We also predict the rest of the day’s matches in a separate article.
WTA Budapest Day 2 Predictions
Fanny Stollar vs Irene Burillo Escorihuela
Head-to-head: Burillo Escorihuela 1-0
There was a time when Fanny Stollar was regarded as a pretty serious prospect, but the Hungarian lost her way since. While she had a few good ITF runs this year, she’s also played just one match across the past two months. Irene Burillo Escorihuela should have too much momentum after coming through the qualifying and the amazing wins she got at the WTA 1000 in Madrid this year.
Predictions: Burillo Escorihuela in 3
Nadia Podoroska vs Storm Hunter
Head-to-head: First meeting
Nadia Podoroska suffered a few blowout losses on grass, but that’s simply not the best surface for her game. The former Roland Garros semifinalist should feel much more at home here though. Storm Hunter is among the very top in doubles right now and it also seems to be helping her singles game. She had a big run at the French Open this year and will be dangerous, but Podoroska’s upside is simply on another level on clay.
Predictions: Podoroska in 2
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Amarissa Toth vs Shuai Zhang
Head-to-head: First meeting
Is it time for Shuai Zhang to snap her losing run? The Chinese has already reached 12 consecutive defeats and simply isn’t enjoying herself on the court at all right now (at least in singles, because her doubles results are still okay). Amarissa Toth might be the right opponent for her with the young Hungarian getting her first chance like this (she only played qualifying the past two editions). Don’t be surprised if she makes tough work out of this, but the difference in quality is there.
Predictions: Zhang in 3
Bernarda Pera vs Diana Shnaider
Head-to-head: First meeting
This should be a thrilling encounter. Bernarda Pera won Budapest last year and followed it up with a title in Hamburg as well. With her heavy topspin forehand, the American’s game is tailor-made for clay. The only problem is that she’s facing a very difficult opponent. Diana Shnaider’s really talented and we’re gonna see what she’s capable of now that the college season is over. Pera will be pushed here, but expect her to deliver.
Predictions: Pera in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
