All-youngster showdowns are some of the most exciting matchups we get on tour. We’re already used to 20-year-old Linda Noskova in the top echelon of the women’s game, but 17-year-old Iva Jovic is getting there. In-form Caty McNally will take on McCartney Kessler, while veteran Anastasija Sevastova aims to unload the powerful game of Ashlyn Krueger. Who do you think will reach the third round in Cincinnati? We have predictions for all the second round matches.
WTA Cincinnati Day 4 Predictions
Sofia Kenin vs Varvara Gracheva
Head-to-head: Kenin 1-0
In hindsight, Sofia Kenin running into Victoria Mboko in the opening round in Montreal was pretty brutal. The Canadian went on to take the title and produce her first major result after all the hype that’s been building up this season. But that doesn’t mean Kenin is in some amazing form, recently winning just three games against Taylor Townsend in Washington. She’s erratic and mercurial; it’s just that her upside on a good day is simply much higher than Varvara Gracheva’s. She also showed it when they played at Roland Garros.
Prediction: Kenin in 2
Caty McNally vs McCartney Kessler
Head-to-head: First meeting
Caty McNally is kind of one of the most in-form players on the tour right now. She was the only competitor to take a set off Iga Swiatek at Wimbledon, then followed it up with two titles (Newport WTA 125 and ITF Evansville). On top of that, she also followed it up with a strong run in Montreal. McCartney Kessler will have to be patient against McNally’s ability to mix up pace and that could be challenging. But the 26-year-old should also be high on confidence right now after taking the doubles title in Canada a few days ago.
Prediction: Kessler in 3
Anastasija Sevastova vs Ashlyn Krueger
Head-to-head: First meeting
Former World No. 11 Anastasija Sevastova barely played any tennis in the last three seasons, but now she’s coming back with some actual steam. Three wins in Montreal last week were a huge step forward, even if Naomi Osaka ended that run so abruptly and only dropped one game. Maybe Sevastova can keep the run going here. Her experience and high tennis IQ could help her throw off Ashlyn Krueger, who often goes for low-margin attacks that are falling into double-edged sword category.
Prediction: Sevastova in 3
Linda Noskova vs Iva Jovic
Head-to-head: First meeting
Iva Jovic is already in the Top 100 at just 17 years of age, but is waiting for a major WTA Tour breakthrough. The American lost to Varvara Gracheva in the final qualifying round, taking advantage of a lucky loser opportunity against Solana Sierra. Linda Noskova is a big step up, but it’s not like the Czech plays a consistent game and she lost in the opening round in Montreal last week. She’s still a little better certainly and more experienced than Jovic, making her the favorite here.
Prediction: Noskova in 3
Main Photo Credit: Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK
