After a thrilling start to the WTA’s Hobart International in Tasmania, the remaining 16 players are set to battle for a spot in the quarterfinals, with six seeds left in the draw. As ever, we here at LWOT are offering predictions for all eight matches. But who will make it to the quarterfinals?
Hobart International Day 3 Predictions
Magda Linette vs Lauren Davis
Head to head: Linette 1-2 Davis
Poland’s Magda Linette defeated Svetlana Kuznetsova in two tight sets, 7-6 7-6, displaying admirable mental strength in what was a closely fought match. Lauren Davis, meanwhile, came through a three-set battle with home hope Astra Sharma. But the American will need to improve on her first-serve percentage when she takes on Linette. In fact, Davis endured a poor day at the line in general, winning only 59% of the points behind her first serve and 52% behind her second delivery. Davis’ defensive abilities should, however, ensure she stays competitive. But ultimately, her serve seems too great of a weakness up against the tenacious Pole.
Prediction: Linette in 3
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Elena Rybakina vs Alize Cornet
Head to head: first meeting
Elena Rybakina has made a fine start to 2020, winning five of her last six matches and, as a result, the 20-year-old Kazakh sits at a career high ranking of world #30. She opened her Hobart International campaign against Tamara Zidansek, picking up a straightforward 6-1 6-4 win to set up a second-round clash with Alize Cornet. The Frenchwoman delivered a gritty performance to edge out Alison Van Uytvanck, winning 7-5 1-6 6-2. But little in that performance suggested she was ready to beat Rybakina. Nothing short of her best will suffice against the Kazakh and it doesn’t currently look like Cornet has that sort of performance in her.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
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Heather Watson vs Fiona Ferro
Head to head: Watson 1-0 Ferro
Thanks to Rebecca Peterson’s retirement at 4-4, Fiona Ferro has reached the second round in Hobart. Ferro returned serve exceptionally well, a clinical performance in which the Frenchwoman capitalized on each break point opportunity. It was a solid performance from Ferro, who can be hit or miss, although it is difficult to draw too many conclusions from the match due to Peterson’s injury. Heather Watson, meanwhile, has impressed so far at the Hobart International.
She raced through the qualifying, beating Hayler Carter 6-0 6-2 and Nina Stojanovic 6-4 6-3 to earn her spot in the main draw. She then came through a three-set battle against Switzerland’s Jil Teichmann, with her impressive conversion rate on break points, the Briton won four out of the five break points she created, allowing her to overcome a slow start. Indeed, Watson looks to be building momentum after an unremarkable 2019. Expect her to grind down Ferro to win through to the quarterfinals.
Prediction: Watson in 3
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Elise Mertens vs Viktoria Kuzmova
Head to head: Mertens 1-0 Kuzmova
Top seed Elise Mertens impressed in her first-round victory over American Christina McHale. Mertens was on top throughout, delivering a commanding performance to record a 6-1 6-1 win over the American, who was never allowed to find her feet in the match. Perhaps the most impressive part of her performance was on her own deal, with Mertens winning 88% of the points in which she landed her first serve. She also converted on a solid five out of eight break points. Viktoria Kuzmova, meanwhile, rebounded from dropping the first set to beat Zhu Lin. But the Slovak struggled behind her serve, hitting ten double faults. Expect the in-form Mertens to punish that weakness.
Prediction: Mertens in 2
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