A few second-round picks from the HSBC Championships in London today, all indoors on grass. Some interesting matchups here, including a home crowd test for Boulter and what should be a cracking local favourite match for Raducanu. Let's get into it.
WTA The HSBC Championships - London Predictions
Laura Siegemund vs Amanda Anisimova
Head-to-head: First meeting
Anisimova's game translates beautifully to grass. Her flat, clean ball-striking takes the court time away from opponents and on a fast indoor surface that effect is amplified. Siegemund is a solid all-court player and her variety can cause problems, but at world number 5 Anisimova is in a completely different tier right now and this feels like a straightforward assignment for her.
That said, these kinds of first-round-winner matches on grass can get messy fast, and Siegemund has the experience and slice game to make a set competitive. I think Anisimova gets there, but not without at least one tight set.
Prediction: Anisimova in 3
Sorana Cirstea vs Emma Raducanu
Head-to-head: Cirstea 1-1 Raducanu
The head-to-head is level but the context matters here. Cirstea is the higher-ranked player and has been more consistent across the season, so she comes in as a legitimate favourite. Raducanu, though, is at home, on her best surface, and that combination does something to her game that's hard to quantify but very easy to see.
Raducanu on indoor grass in London is a different animal and the crowd will be loud behind her from the first point. Cirstea is experienced enough not to be rattled, and she hits through the ball well on faster surfaces, so this should be a proper contest. Raducanu in 3 feels right to me.
Prediction: Raducanu in 3
Jaqueline Cristian vs Katie Boulter
Head-to-head: Cristian 1-2 Boulter
Boulter leads the head-to-head and is playing at home, but Cristian is the better-ranked player and has been in solid form, and on a neutral surface this would probably be her match to lose. That said, the home factor matters here and Boulter will have the crowd, but Cristian's game, especially her aggression off the ground, suits fast grass conditions well.
Cristian wins this one.
Prediction: Cristian in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Matthieu Mirville/ZUMA Press Wire