A few first-round picks from Eastbourne to get into today, with some interesting grass-court matchups across the draw. We've got three predictions for you, so let's see who's looking good heading into the week.
WTA Lexus Eastbourne Open Predictions
Sara Bejlek vs Laura Siegemund
Head-to-head: Bejlek 0-1 Siegemund
Siegemund is one of the more underrated grass-court players on tour. She moves well on the surface, her slice is effective and she doesn't panic when matches get tight. Bejlek has shown some promise this year but at 47 in the world she's still finding her feet at this level, and grass hasn't been where she's done her best work.
That said, their only previous meeting went to three sets, so Bejlek can compete here. I think Siegemund finds a way through, but it might take a while.
Prediction: Siegemund in 3
Talia Gibson vs Madison Keys
Head-to-head: First meeting
Keys has been in solid form lately and her flat, heavy ball is genuinely hard to handle on grass, where the ball stays low and skids through. Hard to see this being competitive at all. Gibson at 66 in the world is no pushover, but Keys is the better player right now and on this surface the power game she brings doesn't give opponents much time to settle.
Prediction: Keys in 3
Janice Tjen vs Caty McNally
Head-to-head: Tjen 0-1 McNally
McNally has quietly become one of the more consistent Americans on tour and her net game on grass, which is arguably her best surface, is genuinely good, she's not afraid to come forward and she finishes points cleanly. Tjen is competitive and ranked higher, but McNally already has a win over her and feels like the right call here, all things considered. Grass suits her game more than most surfaces do, and I don't see Tjen finding a way to slow her down.
Prediction: McNally in 2
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Marcin Cholewinski/ZUMA Press Wire