Jelena Ostapenko gets her title defense underway on Wednesday at the WTA Stuttgart. The Latvian was scheduled to face Mirra Andreeva in Linz this past week, but that match never materialized. However, the draw pits them against each other in the opening match at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. Who will advance?

WTA Stuttgart Day 3 Predictions
Linda Noskova vs Shuai Zhang

Head-to-head: first meeting

Noskova recently inspired Czechia to a thrilling win over Switzerland in the Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers. She saved three match points in the singles rubber against Belinda Bencic and helped confirm their spot in the Finals by winning the deciding doubles rubber.

Zhang has lost in each of her three main draws in Stuttgart. The Chinese’s game is far more rhythm-dependent. If she gets her timing right, Zhang can frustrate big hitters, but physically and intensity-wise, she’s vulnerable in longer points. As far as complicated openers go, this won’t be one of those for the confident Noskova.
Prediction: Noskova in 2

Elina Svitolina vs Eva Lys

Head-to-head: first meeting

Svitolina is up to 21-5 for the season. She’s been very consistent and currently occupies fourth spot in the race. Last year, Svitolina posted 16 wins from 19 matches on clay, taking home the title at the Rouen Open and made the quarterfinals of the French Open. So this is a familiar surface for the Ukrainian and won’t have any problems settling on it in her first match. Eva Lys mounted an incredible comeback in her opening match. She rallied from a set and a double break down to beat Paula Badosa 2-6 7-5 6-4. Lys grew into that match before she took control late on, but she cannot afford a slow start against Svitolina, who should have a clear edge.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2

Mirra Andreeva vs Jelena Ostapenko

Head-to-head: first meeting

Ostapenko ran roughshod over the rest of the field on her way to the title last year. It was one of her most impressive title runs. She defeated both Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka. Ostapenko’s form is hardly predictive. Preparations for the clay season began in Linz, where Ostapenko lost in the quarterfinals to Elena-Gabriela Ruse in a rough outing (served 11 double faults). She was projected to meet Andreeva in the semis last week. The young Russian went on to win the tournament and will have two days of rest.

Ostapenko is capable of flipping the switch. Last year, she entered this event without much momentum, and everything clicked. That said, Andreeva is a different kind of player right now, with steadier, more composed hands, and won’t easily donate free points in this match.
Prediction: Andreeva in 2

Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports