Karolina Muchova is finally back, but we couldn’t really see what sort of shape she’s in on Tuesday as Elina Avanesyan retired after just four games. The Czech star will now take on Magda Linette in the second round of the WTA 250 in Eastbourne as she hopes to get ready for another strong Wimbledon campaign. Who do you think will come out on top?
WTA Eastbourne Day 3 Predictions
Ashlyn Krueger vs Leylah Fernandez
Head-to-head: First meeting
Ashlyn Krueger could have wrapped up her match against Viktorija Golubic much earlier than she eventually did, but she still progressed to the next round and that’s the important part. The American blasted her way through the qualifying and has the easy power that can help her succeed on grass. This will be a nice contrast stylistically with the counter-punching game of Leylah Fernandez. Krueger might end up having a bit too much, but it’s a nice test for her.
Prediction: Krueger in 3
Madison Keys vs Anhelina Kalinina
Head-to-head: Kalinina 3-0
It’s a pretty surprising head-to-head with Anhelina Kalinina defeating Madison Keys twice in Rome and once in Miami over the last two years or so. The American won this event in 2014 and 2023 though and has been phenomenal on grass over the years with two Wimbledon quarterfinals. Her power-hitting is even tougher to handle on a court like this and while Kalinina managed to grind her down three times already, Keys remains the favorite of their fourth clash.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Jelena Ostapenko vs Katie Boulter
Head-to-head: First meeting
Katie Boulter defended her Nottingham title and while she was forced to retire in Birmingham last week, her first round against Petra Martic told us it was just fatigue and the Brit is ready for action again. Facing Jelena Ostapenko is always tricky though as very little depends on you. But with all the confidence that Boulter is playing with right now, she could actually have what it takes to stand up to the 2017 French Open champion. The grass season is where she shines and it’s not over yet.
Prediction: Boulter in 3
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Karolina Muchova vs Magda Linette
Head-to-head: Muchova 2-1
Karolina Muchova’s return on Tuesday was very short-lived, but thankfully that wasn’t due to her body not sustaining the ordeal. It was actually Elina Avanesyan who retired after just four games, sending the 2023 French Open runner-up into the next round. As such, we still have very little intel in regards to Muchova’s current shape or level. But if she’s ready for this comeback, beating Magda Linette on grass shouldn’t be that big a deal for the 2-time Wimbledon quarterfinalist (2019, 2021).
Prediction: Muchova in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports