A couple of quarter-final picks from Modena today, where it's overcast and mild out on the clay. Both matches are pretty evenly matched on paper, so let's get into it.
WTA Memorial Eugenio Fontana Predictions
Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva vs Leyre Romero Gormaz
Head-to-head: Kasintseva 0-2 Gormaz
That 0-2 head-to-head is the headline here, and it's not just a number. Gormaz has beaten Kasintseva twice already, which means Kasintseva hasn't found an answer yet and there's nothing in the rankings gap to suggest she's suddenly become a different player. Gormaz is ranked lower at 149 but has clearly had Kasintseva's number and slow clay should only help her stay patient and keep things on her terms.
I feel like this goes three sets, because Kasintseva is competitive enough to make it awkward, but Gormaz has beaten her before and knows how to close it out.
Prediction: Gormaz in 3
Nuria Brancaccio vs Lucia Bronzetti
Head-to-head: Brancaccio 1-1 Bronzetti
Bronzetti is the home favorite here, Italian clay, which really does suit her game more than most surfaces, is basically her living room, and even with the H2H perfectly split she's the one with more clay experience at this level. Hard to see Brancaccio's single win over her making this a real contest, and a 1-1 head-to-head on the same surface adds a bit of spice to it.
That said, Bronzetti is ranked higher and playing in front of a crowd that'll be behind her all match. Brancaccio will make her work for it, but I think Bronzetti gets through in three, all things considered.
Prediction: Bronzetti in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Oscar J. Barroso/AFP7 via ZUMA Press Wire