Four more WTA Osaka matches are scheduled for Day 3. McCartney Kessler, one of the most surprising title winners of the season (in Cleveland in August), is among those who will take to the court. We at LWOT give our predictions and analysis in this article, but which players do you think will win?
WTA Osaka Day 3 Predictions
Lucia Bronzetti vs Suzan Lamens
Head-to-head: First meeting
Both women comfortably won their opening-round matches. Lamens’ 6-1 6-2 thrashing of the No. 6 seed Viktoriya Tomova was particularly notable. Each player is also inconsistent, meaning either could drop their level in this contest. Bronzetti’s best level is the better of the two, and her style of dictating points with her forehand should match up well against Lamens, making her the favorite.
Prediction: Bronzetti in 3
Harriet Dart vs Clara Tauson
Head-to-head: Tauson 2-0 Dart
Tauson usually plays her best when she gets time to wind up her powerful groundstrokes. That explains why she has performed well against Dart in the past. The Briton always fights hard but does not hit her shots with much pace. Tauson is another inconsistent player, giving Dart a chance, but the Dane should back herself to prevail in this matchup.
Prediction: Tauson in 2
Elisabetta Cocciaretto vs Aoi Ito
Head-to-head: First meeting
Cocciaretto almost suffered an upset in the opening round against Jessika Ponchet, who possesses one of the most unique styles in tennis. The Italian faces home favorite Ito after she stunned the 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin. Ito’s chances cannot be ruled out after that upset, but Cocciaretto should feel more comfortable against her more conventional style. The Japanese player also benefited from Kenin being below her best in the last round.
Prediction: Cocciaretto in 2
McCartney Kessler vs Eva Lys
Head-to-head: Lys 1-0 Kessler
Kessler secured her first victory at WTA 250 level and above since her stunning run to the title in Cleveland in the previous round. She will likely face stiff opposition from Lys. The German has not dropped a set in her three matches in Osaka since the qualifying rounds, including thrashing Camila Osorio. Players who have surprising title runs often struggle to rediscover that level afterward, meaning Lys could be playing Kessler at the right moment.
Prediction: Lys in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
