The second round at WTA Cincinnati brings a mix of players in form, some still searching for rhythm, and a few making the most of late entries into the draw. With the quick conditions rewarding clean ball-striking but also punishing lapses in consistency, there\u2019s room for surprises. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the schedule. But who will advance?<\/p>\n
Head-to-Head:<\/strong> Alexandrova 1\u20131 Sun<\/p>\n Both players arrive with contrasting preparation paths, which could play a role here. Ekaterina Alexandrova\u2019s recent results have been mixed, but her firepower can take the racquet out of an opponent\u2019s hands when it clicks. Lulu Sun has been more active on the summer hard courts, and her ability to handle variety makes her a handful. If Alexandrova\u2019s timing is off, the rallies could get away from her in what has been a tricky matchup for her in the past.<\/p>\n Prediction: Sun in 3<\/em><\/p>\n Head-to-Head:<\/strong> first meeting<\/p>\n This has the feel of a clash between rhythm and raw pace. Diana Shnaider hasn\u2019t been able to string together back-to-back wins since the start of the grass season, but still carries the kind of ball-striking that can take matches out of her opponent\u2019s hands. Bucsa, stepping in as a lucky loser, hasn\u2019t enjoyed a strong run of results lately and will need to lean on her defensive skills to blunt the lefty\u2019s power. If Shnaider keeps the errors in check, she\u2019ll control most rallies, though Bucsa\u2019s counterpunching could keep this one competitive.<\/p>\n Prediction: Shnaider in 3<\/em><\/p>\nDiana Shnaider vs Cristina Bucsa<\/h4>\n