The WTA Tour continues; this time, we’re here for a 250-level event in Prague. We’ve got Czechia’s home hope, Linda Noskova, in contention plus veterans Alize Cornet and Kaia Kanepi are squaring off. We’ve predicted these second rounds and more on day four in Prague.
WTA Prague Day 4 Predictions
Linda Noskova vs Ankita Raina
Head-to-head: Noskova 1-0 Raina (all levels)
There have been some good results from Ankita Raina recently but nothing that assures she’s headed for the top 100. The lucky loser was blown off the court as she was double bagelled by Dayana Yastremska–unfortunately Raina’s game can leave her exposed to power players on hard courts. Noskova is in the same mould as Yastremska, if not even a little more reliable, plus she’s in her home country. Raina will likely struggle to keep up with the 18-year-old.
Prediction: Noskova in 2
Xiyu Wang vs Anna Karolina Schmiedlova
Head-to-head: First meeting
How Xiyu Wang is ranked #81 seems like a mystery. The lefty is a quality player who is generally only losing to the best in the world. Her opponent, Anna Karolina Schmiedlova, isn’t in that category, the Slovakian in middling form. We think Wang will be able to unpick Schmiedlova and could go on to make a decent run here in Prague.
Prediction: Wang in 3
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Tamara Korpatsch vs Yanina Wickmayer
Head-to-head: Wickmayer 2-0 Korpatsch (all levels)
There’s been some great results from Tamara Korpatsch to get through three rounds without dropping a set in Prague. Yanina Wickmayer is in incomparable form to those players, however, and Korpatsch is definitely prone to a few ups and downs. Wickmayer should be able to take control with her assertive game in the moments where Korpatsch dips.
Prediction: Wickmayer in 2
Alize Cornet vs Kaia Kanepi
Head-to-head: Kanepi 1-0 Cornet (all levels)
Giant killers, Alize Cornet and Kaia Kanepi, meet for the first time since 2010! A lot has changed since then of course with neither player in the form of their life. Kanepi has lost a lot on the main tour but a few results at the lower level prove she’s still a force to be reckoned with, particularly a win over Brenda Fruhvirtova on clay.
Cornet should never really be underestimated but her level has fluctuated recently. We quite like the match-up for Cornet, however. The Frenchwoman will be able to redirect Kanepi’s linear strikes on the hard courts of Prague.
Prediction: Cornet in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
