Second round action in Rouen today, with some cold and very wet conditions threatening play, temperatures sitting around 48°F and nearly a 97% chance of rain. Three matches on the card and we've got predictions for all of them. Should be an interesting afternoon if they actually get these on court.
WTA Open Capfinances Rouen Metropole Predictions
Katie Boulter vs Jaqueline Cristian
Head-to-head: Boulter 1-1 Cristian
The head-to-head is perfectly split, but the surface tips this one firmly in Cristian's direction. Boulter is a grass and hard court player at heart and slow clay in cold, heavy conditions is about as bad a setup as you can find for her game. Cristian is ranked 33rd in the world and has been a consistent performer on this surface for years.
The conditions will slow everything down and drag points out, and that's not where Boulter wants to be. Cristian in three feels right, though don't be surprised if Boulter makes it messy.
Prediction: Cristian in 3
Kamilla Rakhimova vs Ann Li
Head-to-head: Rakhimova 1-3 Li
Li has the better of this matchup historically and is the higher-ranked player coming in. Rakhimova won their one meeting in 2021 but Li has taken the last three, and that kind of streak in a rivalry usually means something. The heavy, rain-affected clay in Rouen, which tends to play especially slow when temperatures drop like this, suits players who can absorb pressure and redirect rather than go for winners, and that description fits Li better than Rakhimova.
I think this one goes the distance but Li finds a way through, all things considered.
Prediction: Li in 3
Hailey Baptiste vs Iryna Shymanovich
Head-to-head: First meeting
Baptiste is ranked 149 spots above Shymanovich and there's not much to complicate this one. Hard to see this being competitive at all. That said, Shymanovich hasn't made a dent at this level of competition and Baptiste, whatever her limitations, is a comfortable step above her. Baptiste in three, probably without too many alarms.
Prediction: Baptiste in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Mark Willoughby/ZUMA Press Wire