Three second-round picks from the Lexus Nottingham Open today, all on grass and all with something interesting going on. Let's get into it.
WTA Lexus Nottingham Open Predictions
Viktorija Golubic vs Zeynep Sonmez
Head-to-head: First meeting
Golubic has had some decent moments on grass over the years, but Sonmez is the higher-ranked player coming in and has been the more consistent performer on tour recently. First meetings on grass can be unpredictable, and neither player is the type to run away with a match easily, so this one probably goes the distance.
I think Sonmez finds a way through, but it won't be clean.
Prediction: Sonmez in 3
Karolina Pliskova vs Caty McNally
Head-to-head: Pliskova 1-0 McNally
Pliskova's serve is still a weapon on grass and she took their only previous meeting, but at 87 in the world she's nowhere near the force she was a few years ago. McNally has been the more active and competitive player lately and grass suits her movement and variety well. Hard to see the ranking gap not telling the whole story here.
McNally in 3.
Prediction: McNally in 3
Ann Li vs Taylah Preston
Head-to-head: First meeting
Li is ranked nearly 100 spots above Preston and has been one of the more reliable performers in the top 30, particularly on faster surfaces, over the past year. Preston is only 20 and still finding her feet at this level, and grass isn't typically a surface where young players on the rise get their best results straight away. To make things worse for Preston, Li is the kind of player who keeps the ball in play and makes you earn every point, and that's a tough assignment for someone with limited tour experience on this surface.
I feel like this goes three just because Preston will have her moments, but Li should be too solid overall, all things considered.
Prediction: Li in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Loic Baratoux/ZUMA Press Wire