If I'm being completely honest - and trust me, I'm honest even when it hurts - we've got an interesting matchup here between the favored fifth seed, Donna Vekic, and the unseeded Emiliana Arango. But is it really a contest? I mean, come on.
Arango has shown some life recently, no doubt about it. She sent Carle packing in a hard-fought three-setter, certainly gave Kawa a lesson in a swift two-set sweep, and even held Watson at love. But, she fell short against the high-hitting Snigur and Bogdan, and that's just a bit concerning. Consistency, Emiliana! It's not just a big word, dear!
But oh, our dear Donna. She packs a punch, doesn't she? While she had a bit of a hiccup against Kenin, Noskova, and Pavlyuchenkova, that's just a temporary lapse. Isn't it always? She showed her mettle against Shnaider and Dart, and that's more along the lines of what we're used to. And let's not forget that tournament seed. There's a reason she's getting that VIP treatment, folks.
Given the history, the skills, and the, you know, fear factor, my money's on Donna. No offense Emiliana. You're doing amazing, sweetie. But I expect this to be a comfortable victory. Let's say, two sets to love for Vekic, shall we?
Albert's Prediction: Vekic in straight sets