A couple of second round matches to get into from the Guadalajara Open Akron today, with rain and overcast skies making things a bit gloomy at 66°F. Two interesting ones here, so let's see what we're working with.
WTA Guadalajara Open Akron Predictions
Alycia Parks vs Sara Bejlek
Head-to-head: Parks 0-2 Bejlek
Bejlek has won both times these two have met, and the ranking difference backs that up. Parks at 79 isn't a pushover and she's got the kind of big serve and aggressive ball-striking that can cause problems on hard courts, but Bejlek at 30 in the world is the better, more consistent player right now. The H2H tells its own story.
That said, Parks pushes hard when she's hitting her spots, so I don't think this goes away quietly. Bejlek has shown she can close out the tight ones though, and I'd expect her to do that again here, all things considered.
Prediction: Bejlek in 3
Sloane Stephens vs Janice Tjen
Head-to-head: First meeting
Stephens is ranked 209 in the world right now, and while everyone loves the story of a former slam champion making a run, Tjen at 36 is simply the better player at this point in their careers. Stephens has been nowhere near her best tennis for a while and hard to see this being competitive at all.
That said, Stephens can still play her way into a set if things go sideways for Tjen early, so it's hard to rule out a scrappy match. But Tjen wins this.
Prediction: Tjen in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Marcin Cholewinski/ZUMA Press Wire