The second day of the WTA San Diego Open produced much excellent tennis. It included an epic third set comeback from recent US Open quarterfinalist Jelena Ostapenko. Day 3 is likely to be even better. The top four seeds play their first matches, after receiving byes into the round of 16. This includes three-time Grand Slam finalist Ons Jabeur, whose match is one of four predicted here. We at LWOT also have a separate article for the other four Round of 16 matches in San Diego–including Caroline Garcia vs Sloane Stephens.
WTA San Diego Day 3 Predictions
Sofia Kenin vs Katie Volynets
Head-to-head: First meeting
Kenin is only ranked just inside the Top 100. Yet it feels like there is some positivity and momentum building around her. Her defeat of sixth seed Veronika Kudermetova demonstrated the improved level that was seen from Kenin at the US Open and also at Wimbledon, where she produced that stunning upset against Coco Gauff. Her fellow American Volynets is a tough competitor, and is capable of taking advantage if Kenin’s big hitting fails to find its range. But I expect the former Australian Open champion to get another win at the WTA San Diego Open.
Prediction: Kenin in 2
Anhelina Kalinina vs Barbora Krejcikova
Head-to-head: Krejcikova 2-0 Kalnina
2021 French Open winner Krejcikova has had an American hard court season to forget thus far, losing all three of her matches. She is still the fourth seed in San Diego, and has an opportunity to get that elusive win. Kalnina is capable of making it difficult though. The Ukrainian’s results in America have been mixed, although she showed what she is capable of when leading Ons Jabeur 5-1 in the third set in Montreal, before nerves did get the better of her. But my instinct is backing another upset against Krejcikova at the WTA San Diego Open. She has looked out of sorts, and Kalnina has a playing style that can be difficult to manage when struggling.
Prediction: Kalinina in 3
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Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Marta Kostyuk
Head-to-head: First meeting
Haddad Maia fought her way to a victory against Leylah Fernandez in the opening round. That is not wholly surprising, with both women being among the biggest battlers on the WTA Tour. The French Open semifinalist is likely to need another good performance here to progress. Kostyuk was very impressive in her straight sets win against Magda Linette, and has upset Maria Sakkari and Caroline Garcia this season. However, Haddad Maia’s level is usually very consistent. If she produces the tennis she normally does, I think any potential problems will be avoided.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 2
Ons Jabeur vs Anastasia Potapova
Head-to-head: Jabeur 1-0 Potapova
Jabeur never looked fully comfortable at the US Open despite progressing to the Round of 16. Admittedly, she was under the weather with illness for some of her matches, but the first seed in San Diego is seeking a response nonetheless. I think her only potential obstacle here is a mental one. Although Potapova has had many good results this season, such as a title run on the hard courts of Linz in February, Jabeur’s more complete game should have too much in the round of 16 at the WTA San Diego Open. The only issue is if Jabeur lets the season peter out, after missing her last chance this year to win that elusive maiden Grand Slam.
Prediction: Jabeur in 3
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
