WTA Rouen Day 1 Predictions Including Sloane Stephens vs Peyton Stearns

Mirra Andreeva vs Nadia Podoroska

Head-to-head: Andreeva 1-0 Podoroska

Andreeva has not played a tournament in over a month since losing in the opening round of Indian Wells to Katie Volynets. Podoroska is a clay court specialist and is likely to try and extend the rallies and frustrate the 16-year-old in a similar way to Volynets. But Andreeva should prevail on this occasion. Clay is probably the teenager’s best surface and the accuracy of her shots will likely be too much for her Argentine opponent to handle at the WTA Rouen Open over three sets.
Prediction: Andreeva in 3

Karolina Pliskova vs Polina Kudermetova

Head-to-head: First meeting

It is difficult to know what to expect from Pliskova. After a difficult few seasons, she suddenly hit a purple patch in February by winning the title in Cluj-Napoca and reaching the semifinal in Qatar. But that was followed by first-round losses in Indian Wells and Miami. She could be somewhat vulnerable in her first match of the year on clay. Nonetheless, she is still the favourite. Kudermetova is ranked outside the Top 100 and plays her best tennis by far on hard courts. Pliskova’s power should be enough for her to win at the WTA Rouen Open.
Prediction: Pliskova in 2

Sloane Stephens vs Peyton Stearns

Head-to-head: Stephens 1-0 Stearns

There is a nice clash of styles in this contest. Stephens’ demeanor on-court is among the most relaxed in the game and she prefers to construct points patiently. By contrast, Stearns is a fiery competitor who likes to play aggressively. Both players are also very comfortable on clay and their one previous match was on the dirt last year, which Stephens won 8-6 in a final-set tiebreak. This could be close again, but Stephens gets a slight edge. The 2018 French Open runner-up has played very well in the early stages of tournaments this year and that steady level may just be enough at the WTA Rouen Open.
Prediction: Stephens in 3