It’s the Round of 16 on Day 3 at the Hobart International. The top six seeds continue their quest for the title and have moved through the first round with relative ease. Seventh seed Rebecca Peterson retired in her opener, sending Fiona Ferro through. Eighth seed Caroline Garcia was stunned by Aussie Lizette Cabrera.
We’re offering predictions on all of the Round of 16 matches. Who will we see in the quarterfinals?
Hobart International Day 3 Predictions
Veronika Kudermetova vs CiCi Bellis
Head to head: First meeting
Veronika Kudermetova commanded in her opening match against Australia’s Sam Stosur. The Russian’s aggressive play created five breaks of serve, while failing to hold her own only once. Blasting 23 winners and saving three break points, it was a solid win for the fifth seed. Kudermetova’s pain point comes in the form of her second serve. It’s a weak offering which will be mightily punished by CiCi Bellis.
After dropping the first set, Bellis fought back to exit Marie Bouzkova in her opener. The American played an aggressive game featuring 39 winners. It was really the second serve which caused Bellis trouble. Winning a meager 34% behind the second delivery allowed Bouzkova seven service breaks. It will require a much better service for Bellis to get past Kudermetova.
While both Kuermetova and Bellis struggled with their serve, Kudermetova should have more weapons. It will be crucial for the fifth seed to lift the service stats, but even with a weak second delivery, the Russian should be able to work through those difficult spots.
Prediction: Kudermetova in 3
Kateryna Kozlova vs Zhang Shuai
Head to head: Kozlova 2-2 Zhang
Kateryna Kozlova earned her spot in the main draw through qualifiers. The Ukrainian has spent a lot of time on court, including a first round doubles loss alongside partner Magda Linette. It’s either a case of exhaustion or adrenaline when Kozlova squares off against Zhang Shuai. Yet, Kozlova has been serving spot on and defending well against break points. The Ukrain hasn’t dropped a singles set yet.
Zhang went the distance in her opener against Kirsten Flipkens. Yet, the Chinese recovered from a set deficit to gain a second round berth. Zhang landed 34 winners and blasted four aces. Yet, she struggled with the second serve allowing Flipkens to break her serve five times.
This should be a long affair with momentum shifts aplenty. However, Zhang should find a way through in this tough three set bout.
Prediction: Zhang in 3
Kristyna Pliskova vs Lizette Cabrera
Head to head: First meeting
Kristyna Pliskova relied on her big serve to bounce Nina Stojanovic in her first round. Not exactly a straightforward win, the Czech was pushed to the decider after dropping the first set. It was Pliskova’s play in the big moments which saw her through.
Lizette Cabrera capitalized on Caroline Garcia’s ongoing struggles. The Aussie fought back from a first set loss to bounce the eighth seed 4-6, 6-4, 6-2. The serve will be Cabrera’s biggest challenge. A strong returner in the form of Pliskova will be unrelenting. And, that will leave Cabrera behind in every point.
Prediction: Pliskova in 2
Ons Jabeur vs Garbine Muguruza
Head to head: First meeting
Second seed Garbine Muguruza started her Hobart campaign with a strong performance. The Spaniard exited Wang Yafan 6-1, 7-5. The second seed fired blistering forehands racking up 27 winners. Perhaps the champion form is returning.
Ons Jabeur reached the main draw through qualifiers, defeating Makoto Ninomiya 6-2, 6-1 and Madison Brengle 7-6, 6-2. Against Anna Blinkova, the Tunisian won 6-4, 6-1. Jabeur hasn’t dropped a set yet, and is showing great consistency.
If Muguruza can continue her solid play and blast winners off her powerful forehand wing, she’ll move through to the quarterfinals with relative ease.
Prediction: Muguruza in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
