The remaining WTA Guadalajara Round of 16 matches are scheduled for Day 4. 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko and 2022 WTA Finals winner Caroline Garcia are the high-profile names set to take to the court in Mexico. As always, we at LWOT predict all the matches, but which players do you think will progress to the quarterfinals?
WTA Guadalajara Day 4 Predictions
Marie Bouzkova vs Lucrezia Stefanini
Head-to-head: First meeting
The speedy conditions in Guadalajara suit Bouzkova’s game. She is most comfortable playing on fast hard courts that allow her to redirect her opponent’s pace. Stefanini fought through in three sets against Ana Sofia Sanchez, who is ranked outside the Top 200. She needs a vastly improved performance to challenge Bouzkova, but I doubt the Italian will be able to find it.
Prediction: Bouzkova in 2
Ashlyn Krueger vs Magdalena Frech
Head-to-head: Krueger 1-1 Frech
Both women won comfortably in the previous round. The conditions help Krueger slightly more in this matchup because of her power, while Frech prefers playing on slower hard courts. However, the Pole is also a more consistent performer than Krueger, making this a tough match to predict. The American is narrowly favored to reach the quarterfinals, but this could go either way.
Prediction: Krueger in 3
Caroline Garcia vs Ena Shibahara
Head-to-head: First meeting
Garcia received a bye in the last round. The Frenchwoman needs some victories after a very challenging season so far. She reached the semifinal in Guadalajara last year, which might give her some confidence. Shibahara is capable of digging in and extending the rallies. That style has troubled Garcia this season. She often panics in the rallies rather than waiting for the right ball to attack. The 30-year-old is still the favorite to prevail, but nothing is guaranteed with Garcia.
Prediction: Garcia in 3
Jelena Ostapenko vs Marina Stakusic
Head-to-head: First meeting
Ostapenko was also given a bye in the last round due to her position as the No. 1 seed. The Latvian generated attention recently by winning the US Open women’s doubles title with Lyudmyla Kichenok. However, her recent form in singles has not been what she is capable of. Ostapenko’s firepower in Guadalajara should prove too much for Stakusic, though. The Canadian, who reached a career-high ranking of No. 140 last month, would not be able to cope with Ostapenko’s hitting if it is anywhere near her best.
Prediction: Ostapenko in 2
Main Photo Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
