Six intriguing first-round matches are scheduled on Day 2 of the WTA Berlin Tennis Open. Fans are in for a great day as top-ranked players and former Grand Slam champions will be in action. Madison Keys and Marketa Vondrousova’s clash is the highlight of this article. As always, we at LWOT offer predictions for every match on the slate. But who will advance?
WTA Berlin Day 2 Predictions
Donna Vekic vs Diana Shnaider
Head-to-Head: Vekic 1-1 Shnaider
Former finalist Donna Vekic will aim to get her grass-court season on track and build confidence before Wimbledon. Grass is Vekic’s favourite surface, and she can do a lot of damage when she is firing on all cylinders. However, she faces a stern test against Diana Shnaider, who is the higher-ranked player in this matchup and has already beaten Vekic on grass last season. Shnaider’s better form and confidence should help her overcome the dangerous Croatian.
Prediction: Shnaider in 3
Naomi Osaka vs Liudmila Samsonova
Head-to-Head: Osaka 2-1 Samsonova
Naomi Osaka didn’t play last week, so this will be her first match of the season on grass. This has never been her best surface, but she has the tools to thrive on it. Her big serve and powerful ground strokes can trouble anyone. However, it will be extremely challenging for her to reach a high level in just the first match, especially against a difficult opponent. Liudmila Samsonova is an excellent player on this surface, but she suffered a shocking loss at the Libema Open last week. Osaka leads the head-to-head, but this is their first meeting on grass, and I am giving a slight edge to Samsonova.
Prediction: Samsonova in 3
Madison Keys vs Marketa Vondrousova
Head-to-Head: Keys 1-0 Vondrousova
Madison Keys was one of the top players who fell victim to Tatjana Maria last week, as the slices and unorthodox tennis of the German proved to be too damaging for the American. Keys is playing at the Berlin Tennis Open after a three-year gap and finds herself facing a former Wimbledon champion in the first round. It’s difficult to predict what level Vondrousova would bring on any given day, but she has the craftiness to challenge Keys on this surface. However, it is entirely unclear whether she will be able to carry it out correctly.
Prediction: Keys in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports