WTA Singapore Day 1 Predictions

Emma Raducanu’s third-round run at the Australian Open was pretty decent, even despite the forgettable performance against Iga Swiatek. Now it’s time for the Brit to try to follow it up week in, week out. Monday’s schedule at the WTA Singapore Tennis Open also features a fascinating clash of two 20-year-old prospects–Dominika Salkova and Erika Andreeva. We also predict the rest of the day’s matches in a separate article. Who do you think will prevail?

WTA Singapore Day 1 Predictions

Camila Osorio vs Bernarda Pera

Head-to-head: Pera 1-0

Bernarda Pera started the season pretty well with a strong qualifying campaign in Auckland, but things haven’t been quite as easy for the American since. The exit to Tatjana Maria at the Australian Open was pretty disappointing and she could use a rebound win here. She already defeated Camila Osorio at Indian Wells last year and that’s a hard court that tends to suit those who enjoy playing on clay. Singapore conditions should be favoring her even more in this matchup.

Prediction: Pera in 3

Mananchaya Sawangkaew vs Sijia Wei

Head-to-head: Wei 3-0

This has been an ITF tennis classic recently with a final in Lexington in August, semifinal in November in Takasaki, and a second round in Canberra in January. All three matches were won by Sijia Wei and Mananchaya Sawangkaew will need to try to bring something new to the matchup now. Maybe the indoor conditions can provide a welcome change, but neither has that much experience and they both looked fine in qualifying. As such, Wei kind of needs to be considered the favorite again.

Prediction: Wei in 3

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Dominika Salkova vs Erika Andreeva

Head-to-head: First meeting

Quite a match as these two were born just 4 days apart in 2004. Dominika Salkova missed match points against Maja Chwalinska in Australian Open qualifying, but bounced back with a couple of qualifying wins here. Meanwhile, Erika Andreeva played the main event but didn’t make much of an impressive (besides beating Saisai Zheng, who was on a protected ranking). Momentum from qualifying might be big for Salkova here and she’s the more aggressive player with a strong upside anyway.

Prediction: Salkova in 3

Emma Raducanu vs Cristina Bucsa

Head-to-head: First meeting

It’s clear that the goal for Emma Raducanu should be to finally play a full schedule this year and then just check where that takes her. The Australian Open campaign left us with mixed feelings. Iga Swiatek never even gave her a chance, but the wins over Ekaterina Alexandrova and Amanda Anisimova were pretty solid (despite the hit-or-miss nature of the opposition). It’s clear there’s still potential left in the Brit and it’s time for her to find consistency without going out at the first hurdle. She should do that here.

Prediction: Raducanu in 2

Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports

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