First-round action at the WTA Berlin Tennis Open has six matches on the slate. Sixth seed Mirra Andreeva is aiming to enter the Top 5 for the first time and can take a first step towards that goal when she plays Magdalena Frech. Who will advance?
WTA Berlin Day 1 Predictions
Katerina Siniakova vs Viktoriya Tomova
Head-to-head: Siniakova 2-0 Tomova
Siniakova offers a stiff challenge on any surface, and grass is probably the trickiest surface to counter her unorthodox game. The Czech plays very aggressively from the vaseline with her unconventional forehand a menace when it’s firing. Moreover, she can tap into her doubles experience and finish points effortlessly and quickly. Tomova shines in much slower conditions where she gets too much on the ball. On grass and against a clean hitter like Siniakova, she won’t get that.
Prediction: Siniakova in 3
Ons Jabeur vs Caroline Dolehide
Head-to-head: Jabeur 2-0 Dolehide
Dolehide is all about a big serve and a big forehand. At first glance, it looks like she should be winning matches with ease on grass. But she can struggle with her movement. And top players have a way of exposing her limited skillset. She’s also error-prone in longer exchanges. Jabeur is a tactician on this surface. She is a two-time Wimbledon finalist. Even though she fell out of the Top 50, the Tunisian’s variety and touch will put the American in very uncomfortable positions in this match.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
Mirra Andreeva vs Magdalena Frech
Andreeva is making a real push for the Top 5. She is coming off three quarterfinal finishes from four clay-court tournaments. The Russian is not defending many points on grass, having lost in the first round in two grass-court tournaments last year. Andreeva will dictate here. Her court coverage and compact groundstrokes will be real weapons. This is not Frech’s strongest surface, and she’s unlikely to hurt Andreeva.
Prediction: Andreeva in 2