We've got three picks from the Cincinnati Open today, and there's a genuinely interesting mix here. A rivalry with history, a battle between two players in similar form, and a matchup where the H2H tells a different story than the rankings. Let's get into it.
WTA Cincinnati Open Predictions
Marta Kostyuk vs Mirra Andreeva
Head-to-head: Kostyuk 2-1 Andreeva
Kostyuk actually leads this one, and that's not nothing, but Andreeva has developed into a completely different player over the last twelve months. She's become so good at not panicking in long rallies, staying patient while her opponents make errors and the hard court conditions in Cincinnati should suit that style well. Kostyuk is a fighter and the H2H gives her some belief, but Andreeva is the better player right now.
Prediction: Andreeva in 3
Linda Noskova vs Amanda Anisimova
Head-to-head: Noskova 1-2 Anisimova
Anisimova leads the H2H and she's been playing some decent tennis since her return to the tour, so this is far from a foregone conclusion. That said, Noskova's flat, heavy ball can be a nightmare on hard courts and Anisimova's game tends to go missing in tight moments. I think this one goes the distance, but Noskova's serve and power off the ground give her enough of an edge to close it out, all things considered.
Prediction: Noskova in 3
Cori Gauff vs Marie Bouzkova
Head-to-head: Gauff 1-2 Bouzkova
The H2H is a bit of a surprise. Bouzkova has beaten Gauff twice, which is the kind of thing that lingers in a player's head, and she's a clever, varied ball-striker who can drag better players into uncomfortable patterns. That said, Gauff at home on hard courts, where she's historically been at her most consistent, is a different proposition and she's been playing with more control lately. Hard to see Bouzkova making this truly awkward, and Gauff wins this comfortably.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Wally Nell/ZUMA Press Wire