There promises to be much excitement in the contest between Poland and Brazil on day 2 of the United Cup in Perth. Brazil lost on the opening day against Spain, meaning they need to win to have a chance of progressing to the knockout stage. World No. 1 Iga Swiatek is one of the players in action in this tie. But which team do you think will claim victory?
United Cup Day 2 Predictions
Hubert Hurkacz vs Thiago Seyboth Wild
Head-to-head: First meeting
Seyboth Wild lost on the opening day against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, and in truth, he was beaten easily by the Spaniard. A much better display will be needed against Shanghai Masters champion Hurkacz. One glimmer of hope for the Brazilian is that Hurkacz’s matches are often very tight, with tiebreaks being the difference on many occasions.
An upset is not impossible if Seyboth Wild is strong on serve, and is clinical when he gets any opportunities. However, Hurkacz is undoubtedly a huge favourite, especially on a hard court where the Brazilian is not as comfortable. The Pole in straight sets.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 2
Iga Swiatek vs Beatriz Haddad Maia
Head-to-head: Swiatek 1-1 Haddad Maia
On paper, this does not seem like a great matchup for WTA Elite Trophy champion Haddad Maia. Swiatek usually struggles most against hard-hitting players, and the Brazilian is not one of the most powerful players on the WTA Tour. Yet, Haddad Maia won the only previous meeting between these two on a hard court in Toronto in 2022.
That will give the 27-year-old some belief, and although she is not one of the most powerful players, the aggression in her game is something that improved towards the end of last season. But the courts are quite slow in Perth, which will likely help the world No. 1 more. Overall, Swiatek to come through in three sets, but an upset in her opening match of the season is possible.
Prediction: Swiatek in 3
Iga Swiatek/Hubert Hurkacz vs Beatriz Haddad Maia/Marcelo Melo
Head-to-head: First meeting
Haddad Maia and Melo both have impressive doubles credentials. Melo is a two-time Grand Slam champion, and Haddad Maia won the WTA Elite Trophy doubles alongside Veronika Kudermetova.
However, the two did not combine particularly well in their defeat to the Spanish doubles team. By contrast, Swiatek and Hurkacz have had success playing together in the past. The pair are in or near their prime, which may contrast to the 40-year-old Melo. The Brazilians could raise their games this time with the talent they both possess, but expect the Poles to claim victory regardless.
Prediction: Swiatek/Hurkacz in 2
Main Photo Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
