WTA Cincinnati Day 4 Predictions Including Coco Gauff vs Ludmilla Samsonova – Last Word On Tennis

Following Day 3 at WTA Cincinnati, this segment features more seeded players, including two American Grand Slam winners. One of whom will be hoping to make a strong showing with the US Open just around the corner. This segment also includes several Eastern European players who are capable and certainly looking to make headlines in the days to come. Let’s dive in to the Cincinnati Open.

WTA Cincinnati Day 4 Predictions

Anastasia Potapova vs Sloane Stephens

Head-to-head: Stephens 1-0

Former Grand Slam champion Stephens won their only previous meeting, but that was a far different player from the one currently trying to claw her way back to the big time. As an aggressive player, Potapova is expected to try to take charge of the match from the start. Her ability to go big off both wings means Stephens will have quite the test in front of a home crowd that will be doing their best to encourage her. It may be possible that she nicks a set, but I feel confident that Potapova should really be winning this.

Prediction: Potapova in 2

Katerina Siniakova vs Jessica Bouzas Maneiro

Head-to-head: Siniakova 1-0

Both players come into this one in patchy form, with contrasting styles of play, making this matchup an interesting one but not for the usual reasons. You’d expect the vastly experienced Siniakova to look to take charge of the match against the counterpunching Bouzas Maneiro. As pointed out, their form coming into this one doesn’t excite, but even then it feels as though Bouzas Maneiro has still had a slightly better run of things. In a match that really could go either way, I like the Spaniards’ chances better.

Prediction: Bouzas Maneiro in 3

Anna Blinkova vs Ekaterina Alexandrova

Head-to-head: Alexandrova 2-1

In Toronto, Alexandrova proved what a dangerous player she can be once she gets into the groove. Matches against compatriots aren’t always as straightforward despite the ranking gap in quality. Still, it feels like a bad time for Blinkova to face Alexandrova. Her game style is similar to Alexandrova’s but not just at the same level. I’d expect her to keep things interesting and competitive, but I’d have to say an Alexandrova win looks nailed on. Back the older Russian to come through.

Prediction: Alexandrova in 3

Coco Gauff vs Liudmilla Samsonova

Head-to-head: Gauff 4-0

The head-to-head reads one-sided, and in truth it’s not hard to see why. While Samsonova is an aggressive player who looks to move opponents around, she does not do so to a sufficiently high level to trouble what has to be the WTA’s best retriever in Gauff. The American has also been enjoying an impressive stretch over the last few weeks, dating back to Wimbledon. However, she still has not won a title this season, and this tournament offers a new opportunity to change that just like Iga Swiatek did in Toronto. If that is to be the case, a strong start is required here, and matches such as these should be decided in commanding fashion. I expect Gauff to put on a strong showing.

Prediction: Gauff in 2

Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images