The last of the action of the second round at the Libema Open presents several intriguing clashes while players seek to find their foot on the grass. Bianca Andreescu continues her return against Lulu Sun, Kimberly Birrell faces Yue Yuan in a contrasting battle, and local hope Suzan Lamens faces Ann Li experienced. Who do you come back to progress in the next round?
Predictions of day 4 of WTA den Bosch
Kimberly birrell vs yuan yue
Tête-à-tête: Birrell 1–0 Yue
Birrell is entering this match with a slightly better recent form, including a granular victory in three sets on Xinyu Wang in the first round here, while Yuan has had a hard time with only 2 victories in his last 10 draw games. Their only previous meeting saw Birrell Edge Yuan in two tight equality breaks (7-6 7-6) in Austin earlier this year. On the grass, Birrell’s typing and combat spirit could give it an advantage over Yuan, which is less proven on the surface. Expect a tight battle, but Birrell’s upper clutch game and the adaptability of the grass could see it through.
Prediction: Birrell in 2
Suzan Lamens vs Ann Li
Tête-à-tête: Li 1–0 lamens
Ann Li enters this match with the advantage of experience and a solid basic game that is well suited to grass, as we can see in his race at the Semi-finals in Nottingham in 2021. Suzan Lamens, a Dutch Joker, will have a home support but has a limited success at the WTA level and a minimal pedigree on the grass. While the lamens fought to go to the reception of Minnen in the first round, the clearer technique of Li and the ability to take the ball early should give it the upper time in faster rallies. If it maintains its consistency and maintains the moving lamens, it is likely to dictate the match.
Prediction: Li in 3
Bianca Andreescu vs lulu sun
Tête-à-tête: first meeting
Bianca Andreescu continues her return with a promising form, having shown lightning of her ball level at the level of the Grand Slam in recent weeks, including a solid first round victory in ‘S-Hétogenbosch. While she always finds her rhythm after a long layoff of injuries, her previous success on the grass (including a fourth round race in Wimbledon in 2023) gives her a slight advantage. Lulu Sun, on the other hand, is a dangerous left -hander with a powerful service and has gained confidence with coherent results of ITF level, but it lacks significant victories on the grass at the WTA level. If Andreescu maintains its composure and sharpness, it should have enough firepower and variety to pass.
Prediction: Andreescu in 2
Main photo credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY SPORTS
