The clay swing continues, with this week that includes the distinctive mix of gradual, high-bouncing clay in an indoor area at WTA Linz. There are seven first-round matches on the slate in Austria and, as all the time, we right here at LWOT might be providing our predictions for each match on the slate, however who do you suppose will advance to the following spherical?
WTA Linz Day 2 Predictions
Dayana Yastremska vs Ann Li
Head-to-head: Yastremska 1-0 Li
Both gamers want sooner courts and thrive on all-court aggression. In matches like this, serve turns into pivotal, because the participant who generates extra free factors and alternatives to assault is more likely to prevail. Here, Dayana Yastremska’s serve and talent to redirect photographs give her the sting over Ann Li, who might be taking part in her first match on clay this 12 months and has but to exhibit actual aptitute for the floor.
Prediction: Yastremska in 3
Karolina Pliskova vs Aliaksandra Sasnovich
Head-to-head: Pliskova 1-1 Sasnovich
Aliaksandra Sasnovich has carried momentum from a productive qualifying run and now faces the skilled Karolina Pliskova, who’s coming back from damage. While Pliskova’s pedigree shouldn’t be underestimated – she is in spite of everything, a former-world #1 – her restricted match follow and declining kind over time make her weak. Sasnovich’s familiarity with these situations and willingness to counterpunch might be decisive.
Prediction: Sasnovich in 3
Sinja Kraus vs Sorana Cirstea
Head-to-head: first assembly
Sinja Kraus thrives on clay, utilizing slower situations to assemble factors with versatility. However, Sorana Cirstea represents a notable step up in high quality with the younger Austrian not precisely an everyday fixture on the WTA Tour at this stage of her profession. The skilled Romanian has performed strong tennis this 12 months and will have sufficient to advance if she performs at her standard degree.
Prediction: Cirstea in 2
Katie Volynets vs Donna Vekic
Head-to-head: first assembly
Katie Volynets depends on her physicality and defensive abilities, which go well with clay courts. This match will doubtless hinge on the baseline duel, with each gamers working finest from the again of the court docket. If Donna Vekic stays composed and picks the suitable moments to assault, her expertise on clay ought to carry her by means of, notably because the indoor situations ought to assist the Croatian’s clean-hitting.
Prediction: Vekic in 3
Main photograph credit score: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports
(*2*)
(*2*)
