It’s a packed schedule on Monday at the 2022 Eastbourne International. Recent Nottingham Open runner-up, Alison Riske, opens her campaign against a familiar foe. She holds a 5-1 lead against Magda Linette, including two meetings this year (one taken by the Pole). Can she maintain her very favorable record? Who do you think will advance?
Dayana Yastremska vs Donna Vekic
Head-to-head: Yastremska 3-0
Both players are slowly but surely returning to form. After a poor start at Nottingham, Donna Vekic enjoyed a phenomenal quarterfinal run in Birmingham, before qualifying for the main draw here. The Croat has historically done very well at these British grass warm-up events, winning Nottingham, and making finals at Birmingham and Nottingham. Despite her poor record against Dayana Yastremska, the surface could help her out here.
Prediction: Vekic in 3
Petra Martic vs Jodie Anna Burrage
Head-to-head: First meeting
Before this season, Jodie Anna Burrage had just two grass wins in fifteen matches. However, the Brit is on a fabulous run in this part of the season now, making the semifinal at Surbiton and finishing runner-up to Dalma Galfi at Ilkley (both ITF 100K). While Petra Martic is so much more experienced at this level, all the matches that Burrage has played recently might pay off here. Especially as the Croat hasn’t really got going on grass yet with just one loss to Alexandra Krunic.
Prediction: Burrage in 3
Yulia Putintseva vs Sara Sorribes Tormo
Head-to-head: 1-1
Sara Sorribes Tormo is a surprisingly good grass-courter, showing that a grinding playstyle can also shine in faster conditions. The Spaniard lost just three games to Panna Udvardy in her first lawn match of the season here. With Yulia Putintseva on the other side of the net, this match is bound to feature plenty of exciting rallies. It’s just that the Kazakh usually doesn’t feel that comfortable on this surface.
Prediction: Sorribes Tormo in 2
Magda Linette vs Alison Riske
Head-to-head: Riske 5-1
These two bump into each other a lot with Magda Linette finally claiming her first win over Alison Riske in Doha this year. All their matches have come on hard courts though and it will not help the Pole survive in a tough matchup. Riske is a former Wimbledon quarterfinalist and she also made three WTA finals on grass, including one in Nottingham earlier this year. Her game becomes so much more threatening in such conditions.
Prediction: Riske in 2
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