A couple of qualifying finals to preview from Strasbourg today, with rain hanging over the venue and temperatures barely cracking 14°C. Both matches look like they could go the distance, so let's get into it.
WTA Internationaux de Strasbourg Qualifying Predictions
Mccartney Kessler vs Oksana Selekhmeteva
Head-to-head: First meeting
Kessler is the higher-ranked player here and has been building a solid clay season, and her ability to stay aggressive while keeping errors low in longer rallies makes her a decent fit for these slower French conditions. Selekhmeteva is no pushover at 77 in the world, and in a qualifying final she's clearly capable of making this uncomfortable.
That said, Kessler's ranking advantage is real and she's the more experienced player at this level. I think this goes three sets, but she gets through, all things considered.
Prediction: Kessler in 3
Yulia Putintseva vs Oleksandra Oliynykova
Head-to-head: First meeting
This one is trickier than the ranking gap suggests. Oliynykova is ranked 70 in the world, ten spots ahead of Putintseva, and on clay she's the type of grinder who can frustrate players who aren't fully locked in. Putintseva has always been a handful though, especially in matches with a bit of tension and her willingness to take time away from opponents suits the slower surface better than you'd think.
Putintseva wins this, but don't be surprised if it's tight throughout.
Prediction: Putintseva in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Stephane Thomas/ZUMA Press Wire