Eleven first-round matches remain to be contested on Monday at the 2024 WTA Livesport Prague Open on Monday. The lineup includes doubles specialist Ena Shibahara making a rare main tour singles appearance or the two Polish Magdas–Frech and Linette–trying to make it to the next stage of the event. But who will find a way to get their campaigns off to a good start? We also predict the rest of the day’s matches, split between two other articles. One features Katerina Siniakova vs Louisa Chirico while the other highlights Linda Noskova vs Katarina Zavatska.
WTA Prague Day 2 Predictions
Ena Shibahara vs Tamara Korpatsch
Head-to-head: Korpatsch 1-0
Ena Shibahara is well known for her doubles excellence, but this year she’s actually taken a bit of a step back and started focusing more on her singles career. The results have been okay, particularly in ITF events in Asia, Australia, and North America. Since coming to Europe she hasn’t been quite the same threat and lost a tight match to Tara Wurth in the qualifying. Tamara Korpatsch might just be too consistent for her and should be treating this as a very nice draw, especially on clay.
Prediction: Korpatsch in 2
Tara Wurth vs Laura Samson
Head-to-head: First meeting
At 16 years old, Laura Samson isn’t just yet another great Czech junior but actually one of the leaders of the pack. She was the junior World No. 1 merely weeks ago after finishing runner-up at Roland Garros this year. In the meantime, she was also putting in plenty of deep runs in pro events. This is her first opportunity at this event and Tara Wurth is far from the most dangerous opponent she could have drawn. Samson might just kick off her main tour career with a win.
Prediction: Samson in 3
Magdalena Frech vs Astra Sharma
Head-to-head: First meeting
This might be a bit of a weird match. Magdalena Frech seeks to snap a losing streak, but it doesn’t feel like her form has dropped off a cliff or anything like that. Meanwhile, Astra Sharma is mixing up big runs with early losses. She’s been really good occasionally though, including Palermo last week as she went out to Karolina Muchova in the quarterfinals. If she can hit that heavy forehand well, she might be able to give Frech a run for her money here. The Pole is the favorite, but only just.
Prediction: Frech in 3
Magda Linette vs Mona Barthel
Head-to-head: Barthel 1-0
Mona Barthel defeated Magda Linette in Auckland years back, but now it’s the Pole who’s a Top 50 regular and has been a main tour threat for years. Meanwhile, Barthel is years past her best and rarely appears in big events anymore. Clay is probably the surface that gives her the best possible shot at Linette at the moment, but it’s still not a great one. The Pole took a few weeks off after the grass seasons and should be well-prepared for what’s ahead here and at the Olympics.
Prediction: Linette in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
