A warm one in Athens today, with temperatures around 83°F and climbing toward 88°F under partial cloud cover. We've got three picks from the WTA Athens Open for you, including Sakkari playing in front of her home crowd, which is always worth paying attention to. Let's get into it.
WTA Athens Open Predictions
Lilli Tagger vs Sara Bejlek
Head-to-head: First meeting
Bejlek is ranked 42 places above Tagger and has been one of the more consistent performers in this part of the draw all season. Tagger has had her moments but hasn't really shown she can handle players of this level on a consistent basis.
I think this one goes three sets. Bejlek isn't the type to blow anyone off the court and Tagger will make her work, but the ranking gap is there for a reason and Bejlek should find a way through late.
Prediction: Bejlek in 3
Harriet Dart vs Maria Sakkari
Head-to-head: Dart 0-1 Sakkari
Sakkari is playing at home in Athens and that crowd is going to be loud behind her. She's also ranked 115 places above Dart and coming in as one of the clear favorites for the title, so the motivation isn't going to be a problem either.
Dart is a tough competitor who never gives matches away cheaply, but hard to see this being competitive at all. Sakkari wins this comfortably.
Prediction: Sakkari in 2
Clara Tauson vs Nao Hibino
Head-to-head: Tauson 2-1 Hibino
Hibino is ranked 235th in the world, so you'd back Tauson here nine times out of ten. The 2-1 head-to-head, which includes a loss for Tauson on a similar slow surface, is a little surprising given the ranking difference and Hibino has a crafty game that can cause problems for players who don't take her seriously. The hot Athens conditions could slow things down and give her more time on the ball too.
That said, Tauson is the better player and has been solid this season. I feel like she gets through this, all things considered, but it's the kind of match where a slow start could make things interesting later on.
Prediction: Tauson in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © SIPA USA