Seeded players Elena Rybakina and Liudmila Samsonova will be in action on the third day of main draw play at the WTA Cincinnati open. We have predictions for every match taking place on Thursday.

Leylah Fernandez vs Elena Rybakina

When they met in Doha earlier this year, Rybakina was the confident victor, Rybakina is back after some much needed R&R post Wimbledon, she’s been on a 40-9 tear this season and is one of the most difficult players to face on the WTA Tour. Fernandez had a tough first round win and has more than 20 WTA main draw wins this season but I’m not sure she’s competitive in this match if Rybakina is fit and firing, if not, she will capitalize. Rybakina in 3

Liudmila Samsonova vs Magda Linette

Samsonova dominated both meetings including a win at Roland Garros this year, Linette defeated Boulter from a set down in the opening round, Samsonova won in straights against Wang. Both players have more than 20 WTA main draw wins this season, Samsonova was a quarterfinalist in Canada and has the top 20 ranking, she’s favored but this will be high quality tennis. Samsonova in 2

Mirra Andreeva vs Karolina Pliskova

19-15 on the season with a couple of finals, Pliskova has put together a solid season even if she isn’t an elite level player anymore, Andreeva is rising quickly though, 23-11 on the year with her first WTA title, the teenager is nearing the top 20 and I wouldn’t want to face her right now. Pliskova has way more experience but I don’t think that’s enough. Andreeva in 3

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