Super Tuesday at the Mallorca Open is in the books, and gone is Victoria Azarenka. After a solid first set, the Belorussian’s serve faltered. That was all France’s Caroline Garcia needed to take control of the match. Amanda Anisimova came through, but not without challenge. The #1 seed Angelique Kerber was pushed to three sets, but commanded in the decider. And, Maria Sharapova triumphantly returned from injury.
Here’s a look at the Round of 16 matches – along with predictions. Who will make it to the quarterfinals on the island of Mallorca?
Mallorca Open Day 3 Predictions
Alison Van Uytvanck vs Wang Yafan
Head to head: Wang 1-1 Van Uytvanck
Alison Van Uytvanck claimed her first win over Wang Yafan just last week in ‘s-Hertogenbosch. You can’t really call a 7-6 6-3 score commanding, but the Belgian got the job done. Van Uytvanck took out Katerina Siniakova in her opening match, maintaining a 73% first serve with seven aces. Her only weakness is the backhand wing.
Wang will need to find the Van Uytvanck backhand if she hopes to see the quarterfinals. Wang is solid on her return of serve. The Chinese will be looking to break the Van Uytvanck serve. And, I expect she will. Yet, the Belgain will break right back and without more significant weapons, Wang won’t fare well. This will be a tough match for Wang, one she probably can’t win.
Prediction: Van Uytvanck in 2
Sofia Kenin vs Ons Jabeur
Head to head: Kenin 2-0 Jabeur
This should be an easy outing for Sofia Kenin. The American has been playing exceptionally well and wins 88% of her second serves. It’s hard to see where the Tunisian could stymie the American’s game. This should be a commanding win to send Kenin to the quarterfinals.
Prediction: Kenin in 2
Ajla Tomljanovic vs Anastasija Sevastova
Head to head: Tomljanovic 0-1 Sevastova (2018 Mallorca Open)
Anastasija Sevastova impressed in her opening round. The Sevastova serve is not much of a threat, but her clean ball striking on the return of serve is proving to be a weapon. The Latvian plays exceptionally well at this tournament – twice a finalist and champion in 2017. It’s hard to see her losing at this point.
Ajla Tomljanovic has been serving exceptionally well. Coming off a quarterfinal run at the Nottingham Open, the Aussie is a most capable grass courter. Tomljanovic is in good form, and I’d like her chances if it were anyone other than Sevastova. She’ll definitely put up a fight, but in the end, Sevastova comes through.
Prediction: Sevastova in 3
Samantha Stosur vs Elise Mertens
Head to head: No history
Sam Stosur had a nice first round win over China’s Zheng Saisai. Though that won’t mean much against an elite player. The Stosur serve remains a deficit, one Elise Mertens with brutally punish. And, Mertens will be able to wear down the Aussie’s backhand. There will be some great points, but Mertens will command the majority – and punch her ticket to the quarterfinals.
Prediction: Mertens in 2
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