The expectation was that we wouldn’t get Naomi Osaka back to her blistering best before the hard court season, but maybe that’s not actually true? The way the Japanese dominated a large chunk of the match against Iga Swiatek at Roland Garros was just spectacular. Now she’s fighting to keep that momentum going with her second-round opponent in Den Bosch being Suzan Lamens. Who do you think will prevail?
WTA Den Bosch Day 3 Predictions
Clara Tauson vs Jule Niemeier
Head-to-head: Tauson 1-0
Jule Niemeier made the quarterfinals at Wimbledon two years ago and will always be an interesting follow on this surface. But the career of the 24-year-old hasn’t really progressed since that run and she still hasn’t properly broken through. What might help her out here is Clara Tauson’s limited experience on grass. Let’s remember the Dane made the final round of qualifying at Wimbledon last year though and if healthy (big if in her case) remains an elite ball-striking talent.
Prediction: Tauson in 3
Alison van Uytvanck vs Liudmila Samsonova
Head-to-head: van Uytvanck 1-0
Two excellent grass-courters here. Alison van Uytvanck is coming off a title at that stacked ITF event in Surbiton where she defeated Tatjana Maria, Harriet Dart, and Harmony Tan, among others. The Belgian was injured almost the entire 2023 campaign, but is already showing her class after coming back. Liudmila Samsonova is extremely hit-or-miss and yet she still usually finds it on grass. Maybe a more reliable competitor like van Uytvanck can just keep up the momentum here for at least one more win.
Prediction: van Uytvanck in 3
Naomi Osaka vs Suzan Lamens
Head-to-head: First meeting
The expectations will be very high now for Naomi Osaka as her performance against Iga Swiatek at Roland Garros was nothing short of legendary. No one else came close to beating the Pole in Paris this year and the 4-time Grand Slam champion even held a match point in a fantastic display. Just like clay, grass has never been her favorite surface movement-wise. But she overcame the demons on the dirt and should be able to do the same, especially as these courts suit her aggression and big serve more.
Prediction: Osaka in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports