We've got three second-round picks from the Cincinnati Open to get through today. No shortage of interesting matchups here, so let's get into it.
WTA Cincinnati Open Predictions
Cori Gauff vs Liudmila Samsonova
Head-to-head: Gauff 4-0 Samsonova
Four wins, zero losses, and Gauff has never really looked troubled in any of them. Samsonova is a streaky, heavy-hitting player who can absolutely blow people off the court on a good day, but she's never found an answer for Gauff and there's no obvious reason why that changes here. Hard courts in Cincinnati should suit Samsonova's game more than most surfaces, but Gauff's defensive range and ability to redirect pace makes her a nightmare for that type of player.
Gauff's been one of the most consistent players on tour this year and Samsonova has had a pretty up-and-down 2024. I think this goes three sets just because Samsonova will have her moments, but Gauff gets through.
Prediction: Gauff in 3
Oleksandra Oliynykova vs Mirra Andreeva
Head-to-head: First meeting
Andreeva has been one of the most exciting young players to watch over the past year and a half, and at ranking #6 she's already proven she belongs in the upper tier of the tour. Oliynykova is solid and capable of beating higher-ranked players on her day, but hard to see this being competitive at all given how different a level Andreeva is right now. She's become so good at not panicking in rallies, grinding opponents into mistakes without doing anything flashy, and that should make her very difficult to break down here.
Prediction: Andreeva in 3
Sorana Cirstea vs Nikola Bartunkova
Head-to-head: First meeting
Bartunkova is a name a lot of casual fans won't know yet, but she's risen quickly and the ranking of #39, which she reached without much fanfare on the main tour, is no accident. That said, Cirstea is a seasoned hard-court operator and has been around long enough to know exactly how to handle a younger opponent she's never faced before. She reads the game well and tends to stay composed in tight moments, which is exactly what you need against someone unpredictable. Cirstea should get through this one, all things considered, though probably not without dropping a set along the way.
Prediction: Cirstea in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
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