Stuttgart gets underway this week, and we've got three first-round matches to dig into, all first meetings, which always makes things a little harder to call. Who do you think comes through?
WTA Porsche Tennis Grand Prix Predictions
Jelena Ostapenko vs Mirra Andreeva
Head-to-head: First meeting
This is the most interesting match of the day. Ostapenko on clay is always a puzzle because the surface should slow her down, but she's so flat and aggressive off both wings that she can hurt anyone when she's timing the ball well. Andreeva is the higher-ranked player and has been more consistent across the past year, but Ostapenko's game doesn't really care about consistency rankings.
That said, Stuttgart's clay tends to play a touch quicker than most, and that genuinely suits Ostapenko. I think the sheer unpredictability of her ball-striking causes Andreeva enough problems to take this to three, and Ostapenko nicks it from there.
Prediction: Ostapenko in 3
Alexandra Eala vs Leylah Annie Fernandez
Head-to-head: First meeting
Fernandez is ranked higher and has a lot more tour experience, but she's had a frustrating stretch recently and hasn't really put together the kind of deep runs that justify her ranking on clay. Eala, on the other hand, has been one of the more exciting players on tour this year and plays the kind of high-energy, scrappy tennis that can really disrupt opponents who prefer a clean rhythm.
Fernandez's lefty serve and competitive instincts will make this close, and it almost certainly goes three sets, and she'll push Eala harder than the ranking gap might suggest. Eala gets it done.
Prediction: Eala in 3
Shuai Zhang vs Linda Noskova
Head-to-head: First meeting
Zhang is unranked at this point, and Noskova has the power game to impose herself quickly on a clay court that plays faster than most. The Czech has a massive forehand and a serve, which has been one of the more underrated weapons on tour this year, that can short-circuit long rallies before they develop, which is a real problem for Zhang, who needs time and rhythm to build points. Hard to see this going the distance at all.
Prediction: Zhang in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Mark Willoughby/ZUMA Press Wire