The Round of 16 matches will beplayed on Day 3 of the WTA Prague Open. 2023 Australian Open semifinalist Magda Linette is one of the players set to feature on what will be a busy day of tennis in the Czech Republic. As always, we at LWOT predict all the matches in Prague and across the grounds on the WTA and ATP Tours. But which players do you expect to reach the quarterfinals?
WTA Prague Day 3 Predictions
Kathinka Von Deichmann vs Oksana Selekhmeteva
Head-to-head: First meeting
Von Deichmann pulled off an upset on the second day in Prague. She knocked out last week’s semifinalist in Budapest, Anna Karolina Schmiedlova, in straight sets. Selekhmeteva also played well to beat Barbora Palicova in two sets. However, Von Deichmann’s level was certainly the better of the two players in the last round. If she gets near those heights again, this is a challenge she will overcome.
Prediction: Von Deichmann in 3
Magdalena Frech vs Dominika Salkova
Head-to-head: First meeting
Although Frech needed three sets to beat Astra Sharma in the opening round, she produced some great tennis to overcome the Australian. Sharma reached the quarterfinal in Palermo last week, and her powerful hitting is very dangerous. Salkova got a good win against Zeynep Sonmez, but Frech is a very different challenge. Although clay is not the Pole’s favourite surface, expect her to have enough to make the quarterfinal in Prague.
Prediction: Frech in 2
Ella Seidel vs Ena Shibahara
Head-to-head: First meeting
Seidel is performing impressively right now. After a run to the quarterfinal in Budapest, she knocked out 2020 French Open semifinalist Nadia Podoroska in her opening match in Prague. Shibahara won a thrilling contest 7-6 3-6 7-5 against Tamara Korpatsch to set up this meeting. Despite how exciting her victory was, Korpatsch has been struggling a lot this season. Seidel’s level is likely to be higher, which makes her the favourite to triumph in this matchup.
Prediction: Seidel in 3
Magda Linette vs Rebeka Masarova
Head-to-head: Linette 1-0 Masarova
Linette has improved on clay this year. The most notable example was reaching her first WTA Tour final on the dirt in Rouen, finishing as runner-up to Sloane Stephens. Masarova narrowly defeated Suzan Lamens in a deciding set tiebreak in her opening round. In truth, her level from that match is unlikely to cut it against Linette. The Pole still prefers hardcourts, but her level on clay is still good enough to win this match.
Prediction: Linette in 2
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
