Maria Sakkari is down to World No. 82 and is still looking for that tournament that would get her back on track. The WTA 250 in Rouen could be an opportunity, but she’d need to avenge her loss from the United Cup against Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. Who do you think will advance to the next stage of the event?
WTA Rouen Day 2 Predictions
Aleksandra Krunic vs Olga Danilovic
Head-to-head: Krunic 1-0
Aleksandra Krunic is barely inside the Top 300 now, but she’ll always be an intelligent player who shouldn’t be overlooked. Recently she also made it through the qualifying in Bogota and even took a set off Marie Bouzkova. Olga Danilovic has plenty of momentum on her side after dominating the WTA 125 in Antalya, but it’s been two weeks since that event now and indoor clay can play very different. Nonetheless, the weapons of the younger Serbian should be a little too much for Krunic at this stage of their careers.
Prediction: Danilovic in 2
Lois Boisson vs Harriet Dart
Head-to-head: First meeting
The story of Lois Boisson was heartbreaking last year with the Frenchwoman going on a 23-1 run in the lead-up to Roland Garros and then suffering a season-ending injury even before taking advantage of the wild card that she was about to get in Paris. Coming back wasn’t easy and she’s still rebuilding some of that momentum. But maybe it’s time for her to shine after a few solid ITF results and Harriet Dart on clay just isn’t an opponent one should be too scared of.
Prediction: Boisson in 2
Jaqueline Cristian vs Diane Parry
Head-to-head: Parry 2-1
Diane Parry has been struggling with her fitness this season and hasn’t won a set in four matches. Typically these conditions should be pretty nice for her game and the tennis world is missing her one-handed backhand. However, it would be much easier for her to get back on track if she landed a better draw. Jaqueline Cristian made the semifinals in Rouen two years ago and is coming off a run to the title at the WTA 125 in Puerto Vallarta. She had enough time to rest, travel, and adjust to the conditions, so she probably won’t lose to an out-of-form Parry.
Prediction: Cristian in 3
Maria Sakkari vs Jessica Bouzas Maneiro
Head-to-head: Bouzas Maneiro 1-0
Jessica Bouzas Maneiro was Maria Sakkari’s opponent in the Greek’s first match since the US Open. The comeback didn’t start well (a 2-6 1-6 loss) and it’s still quite mediocre with the former World No. 3 being just 7-12 for the season. That of course led to a massive drop-off in the rankings as well. Can she return the favor a few months later? Probably but Bouzas Maneiro is quite dangerous, best evidenced by posting wins over Beatriz Haddad Maia and Linda Noskova last week at Billie Jean King Cup.
Prediction: Sakkari in 3
Main Photo Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
