WTA Austin Day 3 Predictions Including Bartunkova vs Townsend

Nikola Bartunkova faces former doubles No. 1 Taylor Townsend within the choose of Day 3 matches on the WTA ATX Open. Former champion Yuan Yue is taking advantage of her fortunate loser spot after reaching the second spherical. Who will make the final eight at WTA Austin?

WTA Austin Day 3 Predictions

Kamilla Rakhimova vs Oksana Selekhmeteva

Head-to-head: Rakhimova 2-1 Selekhmeteva

Rakhimova is off the early-season skid after selecting up her first fundamental draw win of 2026 within the first spherical of the ATX Open. Beating Anna Bondar in straight units is very large for confidence. She will look to construct on that outcome for the remainder of the week. Selekhmeteva’s rise into the Top 100 has been by way of sheer grit within the decrease tiers. Her mix of fantastic timing on the return and depth neutralized Alycia Parks’ energy. But Rakhimova can be robust to deal with right here. The Uzbekistani’s long-awaited breakthrough this season ought to reset her confidence, and she or he is healthier suited to controlling baseline spots and forcing Selekhmeteva to open up the courtroom.

Prediction: Rakhimova in 2

Rebeka Masarova vs Whitney Osuigwe

Head-to-head: Osuigwe 1-0 Masarova

With a busy March on the horizon and loads of factors to defend, Masarova can afford an early exit in Austin. And the Swiss is conscious of the injury it might have on its rating. She’s already out of the highest 100 after posting one fundamental draw win earlier than this week. But she has the possibility to double that tally in opposition to Whitney Osuigwe. The American is coming off an enormous win over Elizabeth Mandlik (her eleventh this season) and can be eyeing her first WTA quarterfinal. Masarova owns the heaviest striker, however she misplaced to Osuigwe of their solely profession assembly. If rallies stretch, that is the place Osuigwe might take a look at Masarova’s shot tolerance.

Prediction: Osuigwe in 3

Yuan Yue vs Dalma Galfi

Head-to-head: Yuan 1-1 Galfi

Yue gained the second version of this event two seasons in the past, solely to dip within the mid-career final yr, when she misplaced within the first spherical. Since then, she’s discovered the trail again to the highest 100 a comparatively tough one. But a slice of excellent fortune went her approach when she was granted a really late fortunate loser entry following defending champion Jessica Pegula’s withdrawal. Yuan saved three match factors on return to beat Rebecca Sramkova in three units. Galfi, in the meantime, ended the feel-good story of Bianca Andreescu’s comeback on tour on the first hurdle. The Hungarian picked up his first profession win in Austin. Yuan’s backhand does not want an enormous takeback, and she or he handles tempo very effectively with it. It was a shot that brought about Sramkova issues. The Chinese’s familiarity with these situations also needs to assist.

Prediction: Yuan in 3

Nikola Bartunkova vs Taylor Townsend

Head-to-head: first assembly

In her first match because the Australian Open, Townsend saved a match level to beat fortunate loser Linda Fruhvirtova. Townsend was initially scheduled to face Gracheva, however the French participant withdrew. Standing between Townsend and a quarterfinal spot in Austin is one other Czech participant. Bartunkova is having a nice begin to the season. She’s stacked loads of wins and is taking part in fearless tennis. It’s a recipe that has introduced instantaneous success on the massive stage with wins over Kasatkina and Bencic within the yr’s first Grand Slam. Townsend’s selection is harmful, however Bartunkova brings direct aggression that I feel will disrupt the Americans’ sport.

Prediction: Bartunkova in 3

Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke – USA TODAY Sports

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