Despite the retirements of local stars Petra Kvitova and Karolina Muchova, the WTA Livesport Prague Open still boasts an impressive field of players, including the defending champion. Barbora Krejcikova or top seed Anett Kontaveit. Singles action begins, though most eyes will be on the doubles as three-time Slam champion and Olympic silver medalist Andrea Sestini Hlavackova bids her career farewell, playing her last tournament alongside the former partner. her Lucie Hradecka. As always, here at LWOT we will preview and predict each match. Who do you think they can win?
Predictions WTA Prague Day 1
Mihaela Buzarnescu vs. Nao Hibino
Head to head: Hibino 1-0 Buzarnescu
Buzarnescu he reached the final in Prague in 2018 when the tournament was still played on clay. The 34-year-old has had more success on that surface compared to hard courts throughout her career and she has only played one match on that surface this season. Hibino beat Rebecca Sramkova in qualifying, but she enters the main draw as a lucky loser after a loss to Oksana Selekhmeteva. After dropping out of the Top 250 for the first time since 2013, the 27-year-old will look to recapture her form for the remainder of the season and stay in position for Slam qualification next season. Hibino was the winner when the two met in Hiroshima three years ago and I see the Japanese player as a slight favorite again.
Prediction: Hibino in 3
Marie Bouzkova vs. Sinja Kraus
Face to face: first meeting
Despite never getting past the first round in Prague in four previous appearances, Bouzkova should be seen as a potential title contender. The eighth seed had a very impressive performance in Wimbledon, reaching the quarterfinals and taking a set from eventual finalist Ons Jabeur. Lucky loser Kraus should be a relatively easy first opponent, the 20-year-old Austrian defeated Tereza Smitkova before losing to Anastasia Zakharova 2-6 2-6. Kraus is having a strong season, a 45-19 record and two ITF 25 titles to her name, but Bouzkova should be in a higher class here.
Prediction: Bouzkova at 2
Wang Qiang vs. Rebecca Peterson
Face to face: first meeting
After a poor season in 2021, Wang has had some strong moments this season. The 30-year-old beat Coco Gauff at the Australian Open en route to a third round, she reached the semifinals in Guadalajara and posted a win at Wimbledon over Belinda Bencic. This week, Wang looked strong in qualifying, defeating Kaylah McPhee and Valeria Savinykh in straight sets. Peterson has had a mostly lackluster season with a win over Aryna Sabalenka in Adelaide being the highlight of her year so far. The Swede played on clay last week, so considering the change of surface and Wang’s form in qualifying, I see the Chinese player as the favorite here.
Prediction: Wang at 2
Elise Mertens vs. Magda Linette
Head-to-head: Mertens 3-0 Linette
Mertens, a Prague finalist in 2020 when the tournament first switched to hard courts, has had a mixed season. The Belgian has largely battled for wins on tour but has reached the fourth round at all three Slams in 2022 so far. Linette’s season has been a bit lackluster, quarterfinals in Charleston and open french upset by Ons Jabeur the highlights of his season so far. Head-to-head is key to predicting this matchup, Mertens did not drop a single set in their previous three meetings. They played in three different conditions, indoor hard, outdoor hard in Tokyo and Rome clay, and I hope the result on the hard courts in Prague will be the same.
Prediction: Mertens at 2
Getty main photo.