We've got three first-round picks from the WTA Open 35 de Saint-Malo today, where it's a cool 50°F with rain very much in the forecast and conditions that could make life difficult for anyone going for their shots. Should be an interesting day on the clay. Which of these players do you think comes through?
WTA Open 35 de Saint-Malo Predictions
Elsa Jacquemot vs Bianca Vanessa Andreescu
Head-to-head: First meeting
Jacquemot is the higher-ranked player here and she'll have the home crowd behind her in Saint-Malo, so this is far from a straightforward match for Andreescu. That said, Andreescu at her best is a totally different player to someone ranked 127, and she's been working her way back after a rough stretch of injuries and inconsistency. The question with Bianca is always whether she can stay healthy and string matches together, and she's shown enough recently to suggest she's moving in the right direction.
Jacquemot isn't a pushover on clay and the crowd support will count for something, but I think the experience and shot variety Andreescu brings makes the difference in a tight one.
Prediction: Andreescu in 3
Julie Belgraver vs Anna Blinkova
Head-to-head: First meeting
Blinkova is ranked 140 spots above Belgraver and has a game that travels well on clay, staying aggressive from the baseline and making opponents uncomfortable with her flat ball-striking. Belgraver is a wildcard-type entry at this level and it's hard to see her generating enough to trouble someone with Blinkova's ranking and experience in this format. Hard to see this being competitive at all.
Prediction: Blinkova in 3
Claire Liu vs Alice Rame
Head-to-head: Liu 2-0 Rame
Liu leads their series 2-0 and both players are ranked within 15 spots of each other, so this is genuinely close on paper. But Liu owns the head-to-head and Rame hasn't been able to solve her yet, which matters more than the rankings gap. The slow, damp conditions today, which are about as tricky as clay gets, should suit Liu's patient, high-percentage style and make it harder for Rame to take control of points. That said, Rame is on home soil and clay is where she's most dangerous, so don't rule out a third set.
Liu takes it, but it won't be easy and she should still find a way to get through here, all things considered.
Prediction: Liu in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Stephane Thomas/ZUMA Press Wire