Three intriguing first-round matches are scheduled on the opening day of the 2025 WTA Stuttgart Open. Although the big guns are not set to enter the fray until later in the week, there should still be plenty of entertaining tennis for the fans to enjoy on day one and, as ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match. But who will reach the second round?
WTA Stuttgart Day 1 Predictions
Clara Tauson vs Anastasia Potapova
Head-to-head: Tauson 1-1 Potapova
This is an intriguing match between two players who have a lot in common, not just in their playing style but in the way their seasons have panned out. Clara Tauson and Anastasia Potapova have each lifted a WTA title this year, although their form faded in the past month. Now, looking to rekindle their spark, it is Potapova who might just have the edge here. Tauson sustained a back injury in Miami and was absent in Denmark’s Billie Jean King Cup qualifying campaign during the weekend.
Prediction: Potapova in 3
Elise Mertens vs Aliaksandra Sasnovich
Head-to-head: Mertens 3-3 Sasnovich
Aliaksandra Sasnovich looked very sharp in coming through the qualifying at the WTA Stuttgart Open, losing just nine games in two matches. The Belarusian will be chasing her first main draw win in this tournament. But her task is not a straightforward one. Elise Mertens is invariably steady and stoic, ,and was extremely competitive in her first clay-court tournament of 2025 in Charleston. Sasnovich lacks a bigger serve and heavier groundstrokes to trouble the Belgian on this fast-playing clay court.
Prediction: Mertens in 2
Diana Shnaider vs Veronika Kudermetova
Head-to-head: Shnaider 1-0 Kudermetova
This all-Russian meeting could deliver in terms of quality if both players find their range. Shnaider picked up a clay-court title in Budapest last season but had a subpar start to her clay swing in Charleston over a week ago (she lost to Ekaterina Alexandrova 2-6 1-6). Kudermetova lost her spot as a Top 50 player last season after a broadly inconsistent 2024. She has played far better in the first three months of 2025 to climb the rankings again (up to 51st in the live rankings). While Snanider brings a punchy, high-energy game on the court, she has posted a large number of underwhelming performances of late. Kudermetova, who is slowly regaining her lost confidence, might pull off an upset.
Prediction: Kudermetova in 3
Main photo credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
