We've got three picks from the Bad Homburg first round to get into today, with some genuinely interesting matchups on a surface that tends to shake things up and produce a few surprises early in the week.
WTA Bad Homburg Open Predictions
Clara Tauson vs Diana Shnaider
Head-to-head: Tauson 0-1 Shnaider
Shnaider leads the only previous meeting between these two, and on grass I think she's got enough variety and firepower to back that up again. Tauson isn't a bad grass-court player by any means, and her flat ball-striking can be effective on the surface, but Shnaider's lefty serve creates real problems and she's been pushing deep into draws consistently this season.
That said, Tauson is capable of running hot for a set or two, so I wouldn't be shocked if this goes the distance. Shnaider should still find a way through, all things considered.
Prediction: Shnaider in 3
Ann Li vs Ekaterina Alexandrova
Head-to-head: Li 1-2 Alexandrova
Alexandrova holds the edge in their series and is the higher-ranked player coming in, but Ann Li on grass is a different proposition than Li on hard courts. Her slice, her movement and her ability to change pace suit the surface well, and I feel like this is one of those spots where the rankings slightly flatter the favorite. Alexandrova can be flat and predictable in her shot-making when things aren't clicking, and Li is smart enough to exploit that.
Prediction: Li in 3
Iva Jovic vs Xinyu Wang
Head-to-head: First meeting
First meeting between two players who've both had solid seasons, but Jovic at 17, already one of the most exciting young players on tour, is someone whose big serve should give her a real platform on this surface. Wang is no pushover and has wins over top players, but hard to see this being competitive for long given Jovic's ranking and current form. She gets through, though it probably takes three sets.
Prediction: Jovic in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Marcin Cholewinski/ZUMA Press Wire