Greece finally get its United Cup campaign underway on Day 5 of the event. The Greeks take on Chile, who have to win this tie to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive. Two-time Grand Slam runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas is one of the players set to be in action. As always, we at LWOT predict the outcome of all the contests. But which players do you think will win?
United Cup Day 5 Predictions
Maria Sakkari vs Daniela Seguel
Head-to-head: First meeting
Sakkari’s 2023 season had many highs and lows. Hopefully, claiming her maiden WTA 1000 title in Guadalajara will give her extra belief for the new season. This tournament is a good place for the Greek to start, since she has played very well at the event in the past. Sakkari starts as a very strong favourite against Seguel. The Chilean is ranked outside the Top 600. Although she fought hard against Leylah Fernandez in her previous match, the gulf in class showed. Expect the same to happen in this United Cup clash.
Prediction: Sakkari in 2
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Nicolas Jarry
Head-to-head: Jarry 3-2 Tsitsipas
Jarry had the best season of his career in 2023. He was not at his best against Canadian Steven Diez in his first United Cup singles match, but still came through in straight sets. Tsitsipas starts the new year after a mixed 2023 season. Jarry has been a difficult matchup for the him, with the Greek only winning two of five contests, and one of those was a very narrow triumph in Los Cabos. The big serve and heavy topspin forehand of Jarry cause the one-handed Tsitsipas backhand issues. Overall, Tsitsipas still gets the edge because of his strong track record in Australia. But a Jarry win would not be a major surprise.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 3
Stefanos Tsitsipas/Maria Sakkari/Nicolas Jarry/Daniela Seguel
Head-to-head: First meeting
Jarry and Seguel did combine quite well in their doubles match against Canada, despite narrowly losing. However, toppling Tsitsipas and Sakkari will be an even greater challenge. Two players at the top of the men’s and women’s games would be a formidable challenge no matter what, but the Greek pair have combined very well in the past at the event. Their games compliment each other well overall, and a high-quality pairing would be needed to stop them. I doubt that the Chilean pair will be able to produce what is required. The Greeks should win this United Cup doubles clash in straight sets.
Prediction: Tsitsipas/Sakkari in 2
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