A hot one in Athens today, with temperatures pushing 91°F under partially cloudy skies, and we've got three first-round picks from the WTA Athens Open to get into. Who do you think comes through?
WTA Athens Open Predictions
Maria Timofeeva vs Ann Li
Head-to-head: Timofeeva 0-3 Li
Three losses and no wins, and Timofeeva hasn't been able to figure Li out at any point in their history. Li at 31 in the world is meaningfully better ranked and has been one of the more consistent hard-court players on the WTA tour over the past couple of seasons. Timofeeva isn't without weapons, but nothing in their record suggests she's close to turning this rivalry around.
That said, Li can be streaky and has had some rough patches this year, so I wouldn't be shocked if Timofeeva takes a set. Still, Li gets through this one.
Prediction: Li in 3
Polina Kudermetova vs Maria Sakkari
Head-to-head: First meeting
Sakkari playing at home in Greece is always a different animal. The crowd gets behind her, she feeds off the energy and on hard courts she's dangerous even when she hasn't been at her best. Kudermetova at 109 in the world is a tough first-round draw for anyone at this level, but she's getting a fired-up Sakkari in front of a home crowd, and I feel like that combination is just too much to handle.
Prediction: Sakkari in 3
Tereza Valentova vs Sofia Costoulas
Head-to-head: Valentova 1-0 Costoulas
Valentova is ranked 108 spots above Costoulas and has already beaten her before, so hard to see this being competitive at all. She's been solid on hard courts and the ranking gap is real. Costoulas at 157, still very much a developing player, is in a tough spot here.
Valentova should still find a way to get through here, all things considered.
Prediction: Valentova in 2
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © SIPA USA