Thursday Themes

LUCKY LOSER?

In the first match of the day, lucky loser Erika Andreeva takes on Anna-Lena
Friedsam. In her first round, the 18-year-old Andreeva defeated Harriet Dart in three hours and 32 minutes, the longest WTA match of the season. What will she have left in the tank? The 29-year-old Friedsam will be looking to avenge her loss in their only prior meeting.

TEXAS TIE BREAK

Up next, 20-year-old Marta Kostyuk takes on the savvy veteran Madison Brengle. They have played twice and this will prove to be the tiebreaker. Brengle is a really crafty player who forces her opponents to adjust to her variety. Kostyuk is a forceful player who will look to dictate. Who will leave Austin with the head-to-head bragging rights?

BASELINE BATTLE

Third on Stadium, Americans Danielle Collins and Caty McNally will meet for the first time. McNally comes to Austin boasting a career high singles ranking of No.75 in the world after a semifinal run in Merida last week. While she was there she also collected her seventh doubles crown. She is on a roll that Collins will be looking to stop. Collins, the first big name player to sign with the inaugural ATX Open, has one setting…fire! Look for an aggressive baseline battle.

SMOOTH SAILING

Both Anna Kalinskaya and Coco Vandeweghe are coming off rocky first round three-setters and will be hoping for smoother sailing. The 31-year-old Vandeweghe is a former top 10 player and grand slam semifinalist looking to regain form after battling injuries. So far so good. Kalinskaya is a tough 24-year old who is looking to reach her first quarterfinal of this season. Needless to say, both players will be motivated.

STANDS AND STARS

The sole match on Grandstand will feature the American pairing of Sloane Stephens and Alycia Parks as they take on Anna-Lena Friedsam and Nadia Kichenok. Where they have gone, the crowd has been sure to follow. With these stars on the court, the stands will be rocking.