After an exhilarating fortnight in Paris, the tennis carnival has shifted to the 2025 Libema Open. The top players on tour will turn their attention towards grass and hope to begin well this week.
Liudmila Samsonova and Ekaterina Alexandrova will be the top two seeds in Rosmalen. Both players will enter the event after solid fourth-round appearances in Paris.
Danielle Collins and Bianca Andreescu are also included in the entry list this year. While Collins registered a second-round exit at the French Open, Andreescu ran out of gas in the pre-tournament qualifiers.
Without further ado, let’s look at the predictions for Day Two at the Libema Open:
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5) Liudmila Samsonova vs Carson Branstine
First up, Lidmila Samsonova will take on Carson Branstine in the first round of the Libema Open.
Samsonova is quietly improving her game on tour. After a quarterfinal run in Indian Wells, she secured a runner-up finish in Strasbourg and reached the fourth round in Paris. Despite a relentless effort against Zheng Qinwen, the Chinese pro defeated her in three sets at the French Open.
Meanwhile, Branstine has played most of her tennis on the ITF circuit. She entered the main draw in Rosmalen via the qualifiers. The American defeated Yuan Yue in the last match, 6-4, 6-4.
Considering their record on grass and experience at the highest level, Samsonova will be the favorite to win. The top seed should be able to power through to the second round.
Predicted Winner: Liudmila Samsonova
4) Magda Linette vs Bernarda Pera
Next up, Magda Linette will take on Bernarda Pera in the first round.
Linette has made a promising start to the season so far. After an early exit at the Australian Open, she reached the quarterfinals in Abu Dhabi, Miami and Strasbourg. The Pole will enter Rosmalen after a first-round exit in Paris at the hands of Clara Tauson.
Meanwhile, Pera revived her season with a healthy run at the French Open. After early exits in Madrid, Rome and Strasbourg, she reached the third round in Paris. The American pushed Elina Svitolina to the limits, but lost to the Ukrainian in straight sets, 7-6(4), 7-6(5).
Both players have an average record on grass, but considering Pera's recent run in Paris, she should be able to deal with Linette in the first round.
Predicted Winner: Bernarda Pera
3) Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Mariam Bolkvadze
Ekaterina Alexandrova will begin her campaign against Mariam Bolkvadze in Rosamlen.
Alexandrova has been one of the most consistent players this year. Apart from a title-winning run in Linz, she reached the semifinals in Doha, Charleston and Stuttgart. She will enter Rosmalen after a fourth-round exit in Paris at the hands of Coco Gauff.
On the other hand, Mariam Bolkvadze has played most of her tennis on the ITF circuit. She entered the main draw of the Libema Open via the qualifiers. The Georgian showed her class against Dalma Galfi in the last match, defeating her 7-6(5), 6-1.
Considering their ranking points and record on the main tour, Aleandrova will be a clear favorite to win.
Predicted Winner: Ekaterina Alexandrova
2) Ann Li vs Anastasia Potapova
Next up, Anastasia Potapova will take on Ann Li in the first round.
Potapova has already won a title in the Transylvania Open this year. She reached the fourth round in Madrid but couldn't make a significant impact in Paris and Rome. The Russian will enter Rosmalen after a second-round exit at the French Open, bowing out against Yuliia Starodubtseva.
Meanwhile, Ann Li has impressed critics with a runner-up finish in Singapore and a quarterfinal run in Rabat this year. She started her campaign in Paris by cruising past Maria Lourdes Carle but lost to Jessica Pegula in the next round.
Both players have the skill set to perform well on grass. Considering their results against higher-ranked opponents and game time on the main tour, Potapova will be a slight favorite to win.
Predicted Winner: Anastasia Potapova
1) Maria Sakkari vs Anouk Koevermans
Lastly, Maria Sakkari will lock horns with Anouk Kovermans in the first round of the Libema Open.
Sakkari has been inconsistent on tour in the last two years. Apart from a fourth-round appearance in Madrid, she's failed to make a valuable contribution on tour. The Greek will enter Rosmalen after a first-round exit in Paris. Despite a valiant effort against Elsa Jacquemot, the Frenchwoman defeated her in straight sets.
Kovermans, meanwhile, has received a wildcard entry at the Libema Open. She reached the semifinals of the ITF event in Porto, which is her best result this year. The Dutchwoman also entered the qualifiers of the French Open, but couldn't make it past the second round.
Sakkari will be the clear favorite to win on paper, but the Greek's shaky form can make this a tricky encounter. If she begins well and keeps a check on her errors, she should be able to advance to the second round.
Predicted Winner: Maria Sakkari
