It’s the second day of action at the incredibly stacked WTA 500 event in Stuttgart. The last Wimbledon champ, Marketa Vondrousova, Dubai champ Jasmine Paolini, and Australian Open finalist Qinwen Zheng, are already taking to the indoor clay court. We’ve tried our best to predict who will win each matchup. Who do you think will advance?
WTA Stuttgart Day 2 Predictions
Jasmine Paolini vs Sara Errani
Head-to-head: Paolini 1-0 Errani
Kudos to Sara Errani for making waves at the age of 36; it’s seriously impressive. For all of her form, however, she hasn’t beaten a top 20 player on clay in nine years. Jasmine Paolini is certainly playing to that level, and she is probably more comfortable here than she was even in Dubai. Commendable run through qualifying for Errani, but it ends here.
Prediction: Paolini in 2
Qinwen Zheng vs Sorana Cirstea
Head-to-head: First meeting
This really should be Qinwen Zheng’s happy hunting ground. Indoor conditions will make her serve more consistently, while the surface will aid her already heavy forehand. Sorana Cirstea is always difficult to play against, but Zheng should be in tough form here.
Prediction: Zheng in 2
Marketa Vondrousova vs Donna Vekic
Head-to-head: 1-1
Neither Marketa Vondrousova nor Donna Vekic is playing their best tennis. Vondrousova, however, will really benefit from the conditions underfoot. Her drop shot and heavy lefty forehand are likely to prove tricky. Vekic may lose, but we think she’ll win a set by virtue of Vondrousova’s form.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 3
Tatjana Maria vs Elise Mertens
Head-to-head: First meeting
Tatjana Maria is always pretty difficult to play against. She’s not particularly great on clay; however, she only benefits from the altitude in Bogota. Her slice will sit up, and Elise Mertens will take advantage of it as the Belgian isn’t particularly prone to beating herself.
Prediction: Mertens in 2
Jelena Ostapenko vs Linda Noskova
Head-to-head: Ostapenko 1-0 Noskova
It’ll be a hard-hitting affair between Linda Noskova and Jelena Ostapenko. For once, the outcome of the match may not fall on the shoulders of the mercurial Latvian. Noskova’s inexperience against big hitters on clay could be easily exposed as her flatter hits may allow Ostapenko to barrage her opponent with the weight of her own shot.
Prediction: Ostapenko in 2
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke – USA TODAY Sports
