Second-round matches will begin on day three of the WTA Linz Open whilst the first round draw also draws to a close. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate in Austria, but who will book their spot in the next round?
WTA Linz Day 3 Predictions
Katerina Siniakova vs Elina Avanesyan
Head-to-head: first meeting
This is Elina Avanesyan’s finest start to a season, and despite her inability to defend her third-round points at the Australian Open, she appears to be a better player, with a ground game that might pose issues for anyone this week. It will be an exciting match against Katerina Siniakova, who is a solid player and plays with variety. However, Siniakova is yet to win a main draw match this season and a challenge like Avanesyan may be too much for her in the first round.
Prediction: Avanesyan in 3
Anna Blinkova vs Sinja Kraus
Head-to-head: first meeting
The Australian summer wasn’t particularly impressive for Anna Blinkova but she did win a match in every tournament she entered. Equally, Blinkova has a terrible record at the Linz Open, failing to win a main draw match in four attempts. However, this should be a winnable match for her against the local qualifier Shinja Kraus, who doesn’t have much experience at this level.
Prediction: Blinkova in 2
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Clara Tauson vs Sorana Cirstea
Head-to-head: first meeting
Sorana Cirstea won her first match since May 2024 in the first round in a three-setter. Cirstea was out for a long time due to surgery and this must be a big win for her as she snaps an eight-match losing streak. However, beating Clara Tauson, who is in form, maybe too much for her this early in her comeback. Expect the Danish player to continue her great start to the season and win this match.
Prediction: Tauson in 2
Anastasia Potapova vs Rebecca Sramkova
Head-to-head: first meeting
The 2023 champion at the WTA Linz Open, Anastasia Potapova, is off to a great start in Austria, dropping just four games in the first round against Julia Grabher. Potapova served superbly and stayed unbroken throughout the match. Rebecca Sramkova will be a more difficult opponent, and Potapova must play her best tennis to win. I am giving a slight edge to the Russian.
Prediction: Potapova in 3
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Maria Sakkari vs Viktoriya Tomova
Head-to-head: Sakkari 3-0 Tomova
Maria Sakkari’s struggle to win matches has continued this season, losing four of the five main draw matches. But the year has just started and a good run here will help her confidence. Sakkari is a former semifinalist at the Linz Open and her flawless record against Viktoriya Tomova makes her the odds-on favourite to win this match. Tomova got her first win of the season in the first round but this will be a much tougher task.
Prediction: Sakkari in 3
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
