The top seed Aryna Sabalenka will be the biggest star attraction on the second day of the WTA Bett1Open in Berlin. The Belorussian has a seemingly harmless opener against Russian veteran Vera Zvonareva. We also predict the rest of the day’s matches as well, in two other articles. Who do you think will advance?
WTA Berlin Day 2 Predictions
Laura Siegemund vs Anna Blinkova
Head-to-head: first meeting
Anna Blinkova is 24 and has played more matches on grass than Laura Siegmund, 35. But the Russian’s record is not particularly enchanting with most matches contested at the ITF level. There was no wild card forthcoming for Siegemund so the veteran took matters upon herself and played supremely in qualifying. Blinkova has the greater weight of shot although Siegemund’s unorthodox style means she cannot be underestimated.
Prediction: Siegemund in 3
Victoria Azarenka vs Aliaksandra Sasnovich
Head-to-head: Azarenka 1-0 Sasnovich
Victoria Azarenka has recorded some great results on grass in the past, but recent performances have exposed her limitations on the surface. She was a distant second-best in her defeat to American teenager Ashlyn Krueger in Rosmalen. Sasnovich outperformed her compatriot in the first grass court tournament, reaching the semifinals. Sasnovich is the more confident and consistent ball striker heading to Berlin and might have Azarenka’s number.
Prediction: Sasnovich in 3
Veronika Kudermetova vs Qinwen Zheng
Head-to-head: Kudermetova 1-1 Zheng
Veronika Kudermetova was extremely unfortunate to walk away without the champion’s trophy in Den Bosch after a superb run to the final. Maybe the desperation of ending her two-year title drought got to her and she was nervous during the pressure-filled final tiebreak. But I fully expect a positive response in Berlin. The Russian put up a serving masterclass this past week and if she is dialed in right from the get-go, she could leave Zheng bereft of ideas on the return.
Prediction: Kudermetova in 2
Aryna Sabalenka vs Vera Zvonareva
Head-to-head: Sabalenka 2-0 Zvonareva
In her pomp, Vera Zvonareva would have given Aryna Sabalenka a scare in this matchup. But at 38, Zvonareva is a fading light in the women’s tour. She scaled two qualifying rounds which suggests she won’t go down without a fight. However, Sabalenka has lost a meager six matches this season and only two players outside the Top 20 have tasted success against her. Sabalenka could run out of sight here.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
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