The remaining four matches in the second round of the Berlin Open will take place on Thursday, with a number of stars set to take part in the German capital. As always, we at LWOT will be offering predictions for every match on the roster, but who will book their place in the quarter-finals?
WTA Berlin forecast for day four
Linda Noskova vs Diane Barry
Face to face: Noskova 2-0 Bari
In her first match on grass this season, Linda Noskova produced a strong performance to defeat Renata Zarazua. She served nine aces in the match and won 90% of her first serve points. Noskova is playing a good game on grass, and if she can hold her serve, she will be difficult to beat this week. Diane Barry, with her chops and variations, can be a challenge, but Noskova must adapt to that challenge and win the match – even if she has to travel a long distance to do so.
Prediction: Noskova at 3
Karolina Muchova vs Madison Keys
Face to face: Mutova 0-2 keys
Seventh seed Karolina Muchova She appeared to be in a hurry as she lost just four games en route to a first round win against Zhang Shuai at the WTA Championships in Berlin. Muchova is a great all-rounder and works great on this surface, especially with her skill on the forecourt, and if she can stay healthy, she will be a Wimbledon contender. She will face a big test against Madison Keys, who is slowly but surely approaching her top level and who will get a lot of rewards for her shots in these conditions. Expect a tough competition, but Muchova is a slight favorite for me thanks to her ability to disrupt the opponent.
Forecast: rain at 3
Elina Svitolina vs Eva Liss
Face to face: Svitolina 1-0 not
Elina Svitolina is having the best season of her career and is off to a strong start in her first grass court match of the season. She defeated Anna Kalinskaya, who appeared ill and had to retire in the second set. Eva Liss earned her first ever win at the Berlin Open in the first round against a quality opponent in Magdalena Frisch. Lees did well in limiting her unforced errors compared to her opponent, who hit a lot. Svitolina completely dismantled the German when she played in Stuttgart this year, but Les might put up a better fight this time around.
Prediction: Svitolina and 2
Elena Rybakina vs Alexandra Ella
Face to face: Rybakina 1-0 Ila
Elena Rybakina, who recently turned 27, is hoping to win a few matches before then Wimbledon After her dismal show at the Queen’s Club. She has a tough opening match against Alexandra Ila, who is playing some solid tennis on grass and defeated Donna Vekic in the first round of the WTA tournament in Berlin. Rybakina has superior game and experience, but a slow start could spell trouble for her. She should have been contacted from the start, and should have been after an early exit last week. Expect Rybakina to have the advantage here.
Prediction: Rybakina at 2
Main image credit: Susan Mullan – USA TODAY Sports
