We've got one pick from the qualifying draw in Figueira da Foz today, with overcast skies and temperatures sitting around 19°C keeping conditions comfortable for both players. It's a tough one to call.
WTA Ladies Open - Figueira da Foz Predictions
Anastasia Kulikova vs Mai Hontama
Head-to-head: First meeting
On paper, Hontama's ranking advantage is hard to ignore. She's been a consistent presence on the WTA tour and has the kind of compact, reliable ball-striking that works well on hard courts. Kulikova sitting at 453 in the world suggests she's been off the tour or dealing with some rough form and this would be a real result for her if she pulls it off.
That said, qualifying draws have a way of leveling the field, and Hontama, who hasn't been in the best run of form lately, hasn't exactly been tearing up the tour recently. I think Kulikova pushes her to a third set and finds a way through in what should be a scrappy, uncomfortable match for the higher-ranked player, all things considered.
Prediction: Kulikova in 3
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