First-round action continues at the WTA Rabat with seven more matches. Former World No. 11 Anastasija Sevastova will play home wild card Yasmine Kabbaj in one of the most anticipated matches for the locals. Who do you think will advance?<\/p>\n
Head-to-head:<\/strong> Joint 1-0 Konjuh<\/p>\n It’s great to see Konjuh playing at the WTA level again after years in the wilderness. The Croat has only had one retirement this season. That’s a commendable return considering her injury record. But she’s still a level or two below the fast-rising Maya Joint. The Australian teenager won 21 clay-court matches last year and has looked competitive at the Tour level in recent weeks. She lost a tight two-setter to Navarro in Madrid and took a set from Raducanu in Rome. If Joint displays a similar level, she’ll be the favorite to progress.<\/p>\n Prediction: Joint in 2<\/em><\/p>\n Head-to-head:<\/strong> first meeting<\/p>\n Teichmann’s only previous trip to Rabat was a second-round qualifying defeat seven years ago. The Swiss lefty recently re-entered the Top 100 thanks to her strong form on hard courts. However, clay is still Teichmann’s best surface, and she maximizes her skill set. She faces one of the toughest opening matches against Rakhimova. The Russian reached the semifinals of this tournament last season and has posted slightly better results on clay. It’s too close to call, although Teichmann’s topspin forehand might be the shot that breaks down Rakhimova.<\/p>\n Prediction: Teichmann in 3<\/em><\/p>\nKamilla Rakhimova vs Jil Teichmann<\/h4>\n