Seven matches are scheduled on Day 2 of the WTA Ningob Open, marking the end of the first round. This article features sixth seed Diana Shnaider taking on Yulia Putintseva. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for every match on the slate, but which players will advance?
WTA Ningbo Day 2 Predictions
Cristina Bucsa vs Polina Kudermetova
Head-to-Head: Bucsa 0-1 Kudermetova
Cristina Bucsa has been on a terrible run of form since reaching the semifinals in Guadalajara, losing five matches in a row across all competitions. She is playing in this tournament for the first time and hopes to break her losing streak. Polina Kudermetova qualified for the main draw after two solid performances. Kudermetova has been in much better form recently and has defeated Bucsa in their only encounter. I am backing the Uzbekistani player to advance.
Prediction: Kudermetova in 3
Jasmine Paolini vs Anhelina Kalinina
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Jasmine Paolini has struggled with consistency this season, resulting in a below-average year. She was in good form in Wuhan last week, but lost pretty badly to Sara Bejlek in the third round. The Italian is defending semifinal points at this event and will need a good start. Anhelina Kalinina retired in the second round of qualifying but enters this match as a lucky loser. There is serious uncertainty about her fitness, so I’ll go with Paolini.
Prediction: Paolini in 2
Diana Shnaider vs Yulia Putintseva
Head-to-Head: Shnaider 2-1 Putintseva
Former finalist Diana Shnaider has a fantastic record at the Ningbo Open and will look for another deep run. She reached the quarterfinals in Wuhan last week, defeating Karolina Muchova and Yulia Putintseva, who is her first-round opponent here. Putintseva arrives as a qualifier and is a former quarterfinalist at this event. I expect Putintseva to put up a better fight this time, but Shnaider’s form gives her the edge.
Prediction: Shnaider in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
