A few second-round picks from the WTA Oeiras Open today, with temperatures sitting around 55°F under partial cloud cover in Portugal. None of these are marquee matchups, but there are some interesting calls to make, so let's get into it.
WTA Oeiras Open Predictions
Darja Semenistaja vs Carole Monnet
Head-to-head: Semenistaja 2-2 Monnet
A perfectly even series, but the ranking gap here matters. Semenistaja is a good 66 spots above Monnet and has been the more consistent performer on clay at this level. The H2H being 2-2 makes it sound closer than it probably is on paper right now.
I think Semenistaja gets through this without too many complications. Monnet can be dangerous in patches but hasn't shown the steadiness to take down higher-ranked players consistently on this surface.
Prediction: Semenistaja in 2
Lucia Bronzetti vs Varvara Lepchenko
Head-to-head: First meeting
Bronzetti is the more naturally comfortable clay-court player and the Italian conditions of her upbringing suit this surface well, but Lepchenko has been around a long time and knows how to grind out matches on slower surfaces. The rankings are close enough that this one could easily go either way and a first meeting always adds a layer of unpredictability.
That said, Lepchenko takes it in three, a tight one that probably comes down to who serves better in the big moments, all things considered.
Prediction: Lepchenko in 3
Mona Barthel vs Linda Klimovicova
Head-to-head: First meeting
Barthel has had a decent career but she's ranked lower than Klimovicova right now and hasn't been a threat on clay, particularly on slower surfaces like this one, for some time. Hard to see this being competitive at all. Klimovicova is the younger player with more upside at this stage and holds the slight ranking edge coming in. Not a lot of data to work with here, but the edge goes to Klimovicova and I feel like the third set is where she pulls it out.
Prediction: Klimovicova in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Ivan Terron/AFP7 via ZUMA Press Wire