Defending champion and top seed Angelique Kerber doesn’t have an easy opening clash at the Volvo Car Open, as she faces the tricky Lara Arruabarrena for a place in the 3rd round in Charleston. This match is the final singles match on Stadium Court, taking place at any time after 19:00 Charleston Time (00:00 UK Time), and the winner will face Kateryna Bondarenko, Madison Brengle or Kristina Kucova in the third round.
As a top seed, Kerber has one advantage of receiving a bye in the first round, which could help her. Furthermore the Australian Open champion started to play some strong tennis again at the Miami Open, and will be fairly confident coming into this. In contrast, Arruabarrena hasn’t had as strong of a start to the year and is 78 places below Kerber in the rankings. However, clay is her strongest surface and she impressed as she battled past Shelby Rogers in the first round. Arruabarrena will also be confident coming into this clash.
World number two Kerber does have the stronger game of the two, and will be looking to try and attack as much as possible, as well as effectively use her trademark defense to help her win points. She should also look to vary her game style and get the Spaniard moving around court; this will help Kerber utilize her relatively strong movement. However the German must serve well, Arruabarrena has a powerful game and could easily attack Kerber’s weak second serve. Serving is key for Arruabarrena’s chances today; she must hit as many first serves as possible to help her try and dictate play as much as possible. The Spaniard must also attack at every opportunity and should look to try and finish points off as quickly as possible, considering Kerber’s strong defense.
The German leads the head to head 2-0 and has won both meetings comfortably, conceding just five games in total and winning the second set 6-0 both times; their last meeting was at this very tournament last year. Kerber should win this meeting and it may not be too difficult, though expect Arruabarrena to make it closer than their previous meetings.
Prediction: Kerber in 2
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