A few first-round picks from Eastbourne today, where the grass is out and the rankings don't always tell the full story. We've got three matches to break down, so let's get into it.
WTA Lexus Eastbourne Open Predictions
Kimberly Birrell vs Barbora Krejcikova
Head-to-head: Birrell 0-1 Krejcikova
Krejcikova is a former Wimbledon champion and knows exactly how to move on grass, and Birrell, while a decent player at this level, hasn't shown she can trouble the top end of the draw on this surface. Their only previous meeting went Krejcikova's way, and there's not much in Birrell's recent results to suggest that changes here.
That said, Krejcikova has had an inconsistent season and her ranking has slipped a fair bit from her peak. She's not unbeatable by any means. But the grass should bring out the best in her serve-and-volley instincts, and I think she finds a way through even if it takes three sets.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 3
Mccartney Kessler vs Anhelina Kalinina
Head-to-head: First meeting
Kessler is a solid baseliner but grass has never really been her surface, and Kalinina has been playing some decent tennis heading into this grass swing. Both are ranked close enough that this is genuinely tight and a first meeting adds a bit of unpredictability to it all.
Hard to see this being competitive for long. Kalinina is a better mover and her game translates more naturally to fast conditions than Kessler's heavier groundstrokes do.
Prediction: Kalinina in 3
Tereza Valentova vs Ajla Tomljanovic
Head-to-head: First meeting
Tomljanovic is ranked lower here but she's a seasoned grass-court player and has had some genuinely good results at Wimbledon, often coming through tight three-setters, over the years. Valentova is ranked higher at the moment, but rankings built on hardcourt and clay form don't always carry over cleanly to grass, and I feel like Tomljanovic's experience on this surface tips the balance. Should be enough to get through here, all things considered.
Prediction: Tomljanovic in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © PI via ZUMA Press Wire