Coco Gauff is set to begin her clay-court campaign at the WTA Stuttgart. Her first opponent is Liudmila Samsonova. Gauff leads their head-to-head record 3-0.
Gauff’s Head-to-Head Advantage
Gauff and Samsonova have played each other three times previously. Gauff won all three of those matches. However, they have not faced each other in three years. Samsonova is known for her powerful forehand. Clay courts can reduce the impact of those shots. This can leave her vulnerable if she is not at her best. If Samsonova’s serve is not performing well, she may struggle to finish points against Gauff. Gauff is known as an extraordinary defender. Even in her first match on clay this season, Gauff’s consistency should make the difference.
Muchova vs Mertens: A First Meeting in Years
Muchova is participating in Stuttgart for the first time since 2021. In her opening match, she defeated Aliaksandra Sasnovich 6-2, 6-4. Mertens beat her opponent 6-3, 6-4. The Belgian player recovered from a break in the second set to secure the victory in straight sets. Muchova and Mertens have not played each other in five years. Since then, Muchova has become a top-tier shotmaker.
Muchova is expected to vary her pace. She is also expected to use her low backhand slice. This will keep points on her terms. That is the strategy she needs to defeat Mertens.
Fernandez Advances, Sonmez Makes History
Fernandez had some difficulty in the final games against Alexandra Eala. However, the Canadian player eventually won in straight sets. That was only her fifth win of the season. Sonmez is achieving new milestones. Her 6-2, 6-2 victory over Jasmine Paolini made her the first Turkish player to defeat a Top 10 opponent in WTA history. That result should boost her confidence. Fernandez is still expected to have an edge with her powerful lefty patterns. Fernandez’s risk tolerance on her second serve is also an advantage. She won 87% of those points.
The winner of Gauff vs Samsonova will reach the quarterfinals.