Rain has played spoilsport this week in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, resulting in a packed Thursday where seven second-round matches are scheduled. Defending champion Elise Mertens will take on Elena-Gabriela Ruse in a rematch of last year’s final. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for every match on the slate, but who will advance to the quarterfinals?
WTA Den Bosch Day 4 Predictions
Solana Sierra vs Caty McNally
Head-to-Head: Sierra 1-0 McNally
Solana Sierra was in good form coming into this tournament and continued the momentum by defeating Lois Boisson in three sets. It was not a good performance by either player, as they made many unforced errors, especially double faults. Sierra will need to raise her level to beat Caty McNally, who defeated Emma Navarro in three sets. These two played earlier this year, where Sierra came back from a set down to win the match. I am expecting another tight contest, but with a different outcome.
Prediction: McNally in 3
Ajla Tomljanovic vs Dayana Yastremska
Head-to-Head: Tomljanovic 0-4 Yastremska
Ajla Tomljanovic played a great match to beat Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in straight sets. Tomljanovic attacked the Spaniard’s second serve brilliantly and hardly let her breathe. Dayana Yastremska has won all four encounters in this rivalry, but Tomljanovic was competitive in three of them and will be confident in her chances on her best surface. I am backing the Australian to win this one.
Prediction: Tomljanovic in 3
Elise Mertens vs Elena-Gabriela Ruse
Head-to-Head: Mertens 4-0 Ruse
This is the rematch of last year’s final, and Elena-Gabriela Ruse will be seeking revenge on the #3 seed, Elise Mertens. Mertens has the head-to-head advantage, but grass is still her least successful surface, and Ruse is good enough to make this intriguing. I can see this match going the distance, but the Belgian should just prevail due to her experience.
Prediction: Mertens in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images