ATX Open 2023 Day 4: Women's singles predictions ft. Danielle Collins vs Caty McNally, Marta Kostyuk vs Madison Brengle
The inaugural edition of the ATX Open saw some of the big names crash out early. Top seed Magda Linette failed to make it past the first round, as did seventh seed Alycia Parks.
2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens did manage to make it to the quarterfinals, along with compatriots Katie Volynets and Peyton Stearns. Day 4 of the ATX Open features 2022 Australian Open runner-up Danielle Collins in action.
Former top 10 player Coco Vandeweghe and teenager Erika Andreeva will be some of the other players in the fray on Thursday. Here are the predictions for all the fixtures lined up for March 2:
#1 - Anna-Lena Friedsam vs (LL) Erika Andreeva
Friedsam scored a rather comfortable 6-4, 6-4 win over Dayana Yastremska in the first round of the ATX Open. She'll now be aiming to reach her second quarterfinal of the season following the previous one at last month's Linz Open.
After falling in the qualifying rounds, Andreeva got a second lease of life as a lucky loser. She defeated Harriet Dart in her opener, with the three-set tussle also becoming the longest match of the season.
A talented junior, Andreeva is now trying to make some noise at the WTA level as well. Friedsam is a veteran of the tour by now, though she hasn't had too many notable results on the pro tour.
This is a good opportunity for both to make a deep run. Andreeva is a young gun on the rise, but the experienced Friedsam will have a slight edge heading into this encounter.
Predicted winner: Anna-Lena Friedsam
#2 - (8) Marta Kostyuk vs Madison Brengle
Kostyuk defeated Dalma Galfi in straight sets to advance to the second round. Brengle sent qualifier Louisa Chirico packing in straight sets as well to start her ATX Open campaign with a win.
It was Brengle's second win of the season. After starting the year ranked in the top 60, she's now on the cusp of leaving the top 100. She needs a good showing here to keep her ranking steady.
Kostyuk, on the other hand, has been playing quite well. She started the season on a strong note, but the recent Middle East swing was underwhelming. The Ukrainian lost to Belinda Bencic in the second round of the Qatar Open and the Dubai Tennis Championships.
Brengle's brand of tennis has flummoxed quite a few higher-ranked opponents in the past. However, based on their results this year, Kostyuk will be the firm favorite to win this contest.
Predicted winner: Marta Kostyuk
#3 - (4) Danielle Collins vs Caty McNally
Collins scored a comeback win over Magdalena Frech in the first round. The American lost a closely contested opening set in the tie-break but raised her level over the next two sets to emerge victorious.
McNally, on the other hand, eased past qualifier Ashlyn Krueger in straight sets. She reached her second WTA semifinal in singles at last week's Merida Open. She led 4-0 in the third set but dropped the next six games to lose the match.
Collins hasn't been at her best this year, compiling a 6-6 record so far. After some successful results on the doubles circuit, McNally is now replicating the same in singles as well.
This all-American showdown is the match of the day at the ATX Open. McNally has the potential to score an upset win here. However, if Collins is striking the ball hard and with precision, she's likely to wear down her younger opponent.
Predicted winner: Danielle Collins
#4 - Anna Kalinskaya vs (LL) Coco Vandeweghe
Vandeweghe's flourishing career was derailed due to injuries. She has been trying to get back to her former level for the last couple of years now. The American initially lost in the qualifying rounds of the ATX Open, but made it to the main draw as a lucky loser.
Vandeweghe earned a hard-fought three-set victory over Robin Montgomery in the first round. Kalinskaya needed three sets as well to get past Nao Hibino in her opener.
Vandeweghe's game lacks a little bit of bite from her heyday, but she's still a fierce competitor. Kalinskaya has lost to players ranked far lower than her this season and could be susceptible to another upset here.
But the Russian has played a lot better than Vandeweghe and has made her way up the rankings. While it may take her some time, Kalinsakaya is likely to make it through to the next round.
Predicted winner: Anna Kalinskaya