It’s the third edition of the WTA Jasmin Open in Monastir and no other champion has been crowned but Elise Mertens. The Belgian won this event as the No. 5 seed in 2022 and the No. 2 seed in 2023. Now she’s the top-ranked player in the event and everyone is expecting her to dominate in Monastir again. Her opening match sees her take on Anastasia Zakharova, who do you think will prevail? We also predict the rest of the day’s matches split between this and a separate article.

WTA Monastir Day 2 Predictions

Yulia Starodubtseva vs Suzan Lamens

Head-to-head: First meeting

Yulia Starodubtseva going 12-0 in Grand Slam qualifying was extremely impressive, but the Ukrainian didn’t really leave her mark on the actual main draw events. It seems like a breakthrough might come soon for the former college star and maybe this is the right venue for it? After all, the field in Monastir isn’t that strong and she won’t be running into anyone unbeatable anytime soon. Suzan Lamens certainly feels like she’s in her range, even in a good season for the Dutchwoman.
Prediction: Starodubtseva in 2

Rebecca Sramkova vs Elsa Jacquemot

Head-to-head: Jacquemot 2-0

Rebecca Sramkova’s excellent peak game briefly took her to the Top 100 this year, but the Slovak is once again out now. It’s just such a lottery whether she’ll perform to her best standard or not. Elsa Jacquemot is a lot more solid and while she can’t reach the same heights as Sramkova generally speaking, it was enough to beat her in Porto earlier this year. It’s tough to go against the player with the higher upside, but it’s far from obvious.
Prediction: Sramkova in 3

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Mayar Sherif vs Jana Fett

Head-to-head: First meeting

It’s one of the rare hard-court appearances for Mayar Sherif and the Egyptian is yet to claim a WTA Tour win off clay (she made the semifinals at the African Games). With her extreme grip on the forehand and lots of topspin involved, she loves the dirt and can be rushed in faster conditions, But this event first of all doesn’t play all that quick and Jana Fett might not be the type of player who can pile up the pressure on Sherif’s vulnerabilities. Maybe this could be an even more rare win off-clay for Sherif.
Prediction: Sherif in 3

Lucia Bronzetti vs Dalma Galfi

Head-to-head: First meeting

Dalma Galfi was once considered a very strong talent, but anytime she finds some momentum it doesn’t last all that long. The two big runs during the grass season ended with her playing just two matches since and not winning a set in the North American hard court swing. It’s tough to know what the expect from the Hungarian, whereas Lucia Bronzetti on the other hand always delivers a steady level and gives it her all to fight for the win. It’s the type of matchup where if Galfi is hitting well, she’ll probably prevail.
Prediction: Galfi in 3

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Elise Mertens vs Anastasia Zakharova

Head-to-head: First meeting

Elise Mertens is 10-0 at this venue, winning both previous editions of the tournament. In 2022 she lost two sets on the way to the title, last year she wasn’t even threatened. As usual, we expect a certain degree of consistency from the Belgian and she should be able to deliver it after reaching the fourth round at the US Open. It’s a pretty brutal draw for Anastasia Zakharova, which is a shame because the Russian is developing nicely and recently dominated that stacked ITF in Figueira da Foz.
Prediction: Mertens in 2

Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports