Van Uytvanck vs Sofia Kenin Tennis Prediction
Alison Van Uytvanck knocks out eighth seed Aryna Sabalenka from a set down to secure her first top 50 win since the Budapest title (3-6 6-4 6-2). She saved break points in two service games of the deciding set before winning the match in an hour and 51 minutes.
Van Uytvanck’s debut appearance at Mallorca in 2016 had ended in a three-set loss to Duque-Marino (R1). She started her grass season last week at ‘s-Hertogenbosch, losing to Viktoria Kuzmova in the second round. The 2017 Ilkley $100k runner-up is bidding for her first WTA quarterfinal on grass.
Sofia Kenin also needed three sets to secure her first-round win over Kateryna Kozlova. The American won less than 60% of her service points, but was able to edge past in the decider (saved 3/4 break points) and secure the win in two hours and nine minutes (6-3 3-6 6-3).
Kenin arrived at Mallorca having lost her last five matches. In the qualifying round, she defeated Vicens Mas and #66 Viktoria Kuzmova to secure the main draw spot. The 19-year-old is seeking for her second WTA quarterfinal after the one at Auckland earlier this year (l. Wozniacki).
The pair has met each other twice, at 2016 ITF Las Vegas and 2017 French Open qualifyings. In both encounters, the Belgian was able to prevail over the teenager. This time around as well, Van Uytvanck is expected to advance further in the draw.
Tennis Prediction: Van Uytvanck
Odds: 1.50
