Rain on the opening day in Den Bosch means the Day 2 WTA schedule is even more packed than originally planned. Bianca Andreescu vs Eva Vedder and Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Arina Rodionova are among the Day 1 matches still to be completed. There are many terrific contests for fans to enjoy on Day 2, with American No. 1 Jessica among those in action. We at LWOT predict all the matches in Den Bosch, including Naomi Osaka vs Elise Mertens and Liudmila Samsonova vs Alison Van Uytvanck. But who do you think will triumph?
WTA Den Bosch Day 2 Predictions
Anna Blinkova vs Emina Bektas
Head-to-head: First meeting
Blinkova has struggled for consistency since her amazing Australian Open triumph against Elena Rybakina. However, she does possess a playing style that is suited to grass if she finds her range. Bektas’ ability on the surface is not as clear. The American strongly favours hard courts and has not had much success on other surfaces. It is difficult to see how she will be able to live with Blinkova’s power.
Prediction: Blinkova in 2
Arantxa Rus vs Dalma Galfi
Head-to-head: Rus 3-1 Galfi
Galfi is currently ranked outside the Top 100. Nonetheless, she is capable of achieving an upset here. Rus is a clay-court specialist, who has particularly struggled on grass throughout most of her career. For instance, Galfi has won more matches at Wimbledon in two appearances than Rus has in six visits to SW19. The Dutchwoman may struggle in her opening contest on grass in 2024. Galfi to prevail in two competitive sets.
Prediction: Galfi in 2
Clara Tauson vs Jule Niemeier
Head-to-head: Tauson 1-0 Niemeier
Tauson’s lack of previous success on grass is somewhat surprising. She possesses a big serve and flat shots, but seems to find moving particularly difficult on the surface. By contrast, Niemeier’s greatest achievement was a run to the quarterfinal at Wimbledon in 2022. Unfortunately, the German is far below that level now. An upset is possible is due to Tauson’s record on grass. Overall though, her big-hitting style is one that should be enough against Niemeier at the moment.
Prediction: Tauson in 3
Jessica Pegula vs Aliaksandra Sasnovich
Head-to-head: Pegula 2-0 Sasnovich
This is Pegula’s first match in a while after missing most of the clay-court season with an injury. She is very unlikely to be at her best, despite training on grass early compared to many other players. But this is the ideal draw to start her tournament. Sasnovich will put a lot of balls into play and test Pegula’s movement. However, the American No. 2 thrives against players like Sasnovich, who does not have a weapon to hurt her with.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Main Photo Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
