Play begins for the Purple Group on Monday, Day 2 of the WTA Finals. Bianca Andreescu, Simona Halep, Karolina Pliskova, and Elina Svitolina will begin their campaigns for the WTA Year End title, and their share of the enormous $14 million prize money. \u00a0Not only will the champion claim an amazing $4.7 million prize, they\u2019ll add at least 750 points to their ranking. With close contenders for the World #1 spot, it\u2019s clearly a boon for this elite tournament\u2019s winner.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s a look at Monday\u2019s matches and predictions for who\u2019ll win the first round robins in the Purple Group.<\/p>\n
Head to head: <\/strong>Pliskova 5-3 Svitolina<\/p>\n The ninth meeting of Karolina Pliskova and Elina Svitolina has the two battling in the Purple Group\u2019s opening round. After eight meetings, it\u2019s clear that these two are familiar with each other\u2019s game. Svitolina is the defending titleholder still looking for her first title of 2019. Pliskova has won more titles in 2019 than any other player, lifting the trophies in Brisbane, Rome, Eastbourne and Zhengzhou.<\/p>\n Pliskova is a powerful player capable of hitting anyone off the court. Yet, we\u2019ve seen the Czech\u2019s serve go askew or forehands fail to find their mark. It will be important for the lefty to start strong, with balls finding their mark. It seems Pliskova can play her best when it matters most as evidenced by her five final appearances, her 2019 Australian Open run and her four titles.<\/p>\n Elina Svitolina is not threatened by power players. Rather, the Ukrainian is capable of retrieving nearly any shot and working her way back into points which would leave most player stymied. Undoubtedly, it hasn\u2019t been the year Svitolina had hoped for. Title-less after five semifinal appearances must extract a mental toll. Down to the wire, this is Svitolina\u2019s last chance to claim a 2019 title.<\/p>\n Svitolina has great hands and won\u2019t be afraid to come to the net. It will allow the 2018 champion to end points on her terms. Opening up the court and using her backhand down the line gives Svitolina a clear path to victory. Furthermore, Svitolina\u2019s ability to keep the ball in play will frustrate Pliskova who prefers to end points with her power. If Svitolina can maintain her mental fortitude, she\u2019ll chalk up the win.
\nPrediction: Svitolina in 3<\/em><\/p>\n