The first WTA event of the year in Adelaide is always a treat. The draw is stacked and there are plenty of mouth-watering matches from day one. Today at LWOT, we look to predict some of these exciting match-ups including Top 20 players Jelena Ostapenko, Daria Kasatkina and Liudmila Samsonova. We also predict the rest of the day’s matches in a separate article.
WTA Adelaide Day 2 Predictions
Katerina Siniakova vs Karolina Pliskova
Head-to-head: Pliskova 2-0 Siniakova
Though it’s been a while since they last played, this is a good match-up for Karolina Pliskova. Her serve and groundstrokes are both flat enough to rush the laboured forehand of Katerina Siniakova–it’s just a matter of whether or not she can execute against her compatriot.
Pliskova’s form has been very up and down recently and she definitely seems to be a player that benefits from momentum so it’ll likely be a struggle against an improved Siniakova. We’re tempted to say Pliskova will execute over the course of three sets, however.
Prediction: Pliskova in 3
Liudmila Samsonova vs Laura Siegemund
Head-to-head: Samsonova 2-1 Siegemund
Laura Siegemund had a great renaissance at the end of last year, including a great win over Liudmila Samsonova in Zhengzou. She’ll put on a solid performance and will trouble Samsonova from the word “go.”
Whether or not the Russian will deliver a high enough level is really the question. Despite her unpredictable game style, Samsonova does tend to take care of business more often than not in lower level hard court tournaments. We’re tentatively backing a ropey Samsonova win.
Prediction: Samsonova in 3
Daria Kasatkina vs Claire Liu
Head-to-head: First meeting
Daria Kasatkina had a bit of a wobble at the start of last year but she’s more than capable of playing decent hard court tennis. She brings an incredibly reliable rally temperament to every match that only the more powerful hitters on tour can take advantage of.
Though Claire Liu isn’t in that category of hitter, she could still cause some issues after a great performance in qualifying here in Adelaide. We still think Kasatkina’s sneakily good tennis gets her through but she’ll be tested.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 3
Sorana Cirstea vs Jelena Ostapenko
Head-to-head: Ostapenko 3-1 Cirstea
To back or not to back Jelena Ostapenko, that is the question. As mercurial as they come, Ostapenko could win or lose against practically any player in the world. Whilst Sorana Cirstea always plays a polished professional game, the lion’s share of the points will be dictated by the Latvian on the other side of the net. This time, we’re going to back Ostapenko–she played great in Brisbane last week and loves a fast hard court.
Prediction: Ostapenko in 2
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
