Three picks from the Rabat qualifying draw today, with mild temperatures and partial cloud cover making for decent conditions on clay. Let's get into it.
WTA Rabat Qualifying Predictions
Fiona Ferro vs Ekaterina Kazionova
Head-to-head: First meeting
Ferro has had a rough few years with injuries and inconsistency, but she's a former top-60 player and a natural on clay, and a ranking of 197 against a 400-ranked opponent in qualifying is about as favorable a situation as she could ask for. Kazionova hasn't shown much at this level yet and this feels like a fairly routine outing for Ferro and she should still find a way to get through here.
Prediction: Ferro in 2
Anastasia Zolotareva vs Zhibek Kulambayeva
Head-to-head: Zolotareva 1-1 Kulambayeva
These two know each other well enough that there are no real surprises left, and a 1-1 head-to-head makes this genuinely open. Zolotareva's ranking edge is meaningful but not overwhelming, and Kulambayeva has clearly shown she can beat her. I think the third set comes into play here, and Zolotareva's experience at this level just about sees her through.
Prediction: Zolotareva in 3
Carolina Meligeni Alves vs Lisa Zaar
Head-to-head: First meeting
Meligeni Alves holds an 80-plus ranking advantage over Zaar and has been a consistent presence in this range of the tour, particularly on clay, for a while now. That said, Zaar is still finding her footing at this level. Hard to see this being competitive at all.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Matthieu Mirville/ZUMA Press Wire