It’s almost hard to believe that Paula Badosa and Sofia Kenin haven’t played before. One is a former World No. 2 with a WTA 1000 title, the other World No. 4 with a Grand Slam title. But the reality is their peaks weren’t long and they have been on a comeback trail forever now. Who can find more vintage tennis when they meet on Day 2 of the WTA event in Washington? We also predict the rest of the day’s matches in a separate article.
WTA Washington Day 2 Predictions
Katie Volynets vs Kamilla Rakhimova
Head-to-head: Volynets 1-0
Kamilla Rakhimova is out of the Top 100 now with her year being hardly successful outside of a couple semifinal runs. Meanwhile Katie Volynets has been fending off players at her level or below, while also consistently getting to the second round in the big events. The American doesn’t have the explosive ceiling of Rahimova, but it seems like at the moment that’s not that important. She’ll make a lot of balls and likely find a way to make the Russian collapse.
Prediction: Volynets in 3
Clervie Ngounoue vs Peyton Stearns
Head-to-head: Stearns 1-0
Clervie Ngounoue was just 16 when they last played with Peyton Stearns not giving her a shot in the ITF Austin final. Now the three-time Grand Slam junior champion (1 in singles, 2 in doubles) should have a much better chance at beating her countrywoman. She’s coming off a title at a fairly stacked ITF in Dallas, which included wins over Kayla Day and Robin Anderson. But if Stearns locks in, taking on her heavy forehand might still prove to be a bit of a challenge for Ngounoue. It’s just not a weight of shot she’s used to.
Prediction: Stearns in 3
Paula Badosa vs Sofia Kenin
Head-to-head: First meeting
Two former Top 5 players meeting for the first time is always a big story, but only one of them is showing shades of that quality right now. Sofia Kenin is 7-17 for the season and has been struggling to get anything going, although she does step up for the biggest matches. Meanwhile, Paula Badosa has been incredible when healthy for about two years now. The body not holding up is always a concern for her, but quality-wise she’s head and shoulders above Kenin at the moment.
Prediction: Badosa in 2
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
