Cori Gauff vs Darya Kasatkina Prediction: A three set tussle?

The WTA Finals are off to a riveting start and we have seen a bunch of brilliant battles that have gone the distance. The attendance has been a tad underwhelming but in the world of the internet, people are following the action all around the world so it still makes for enticing viewing. In another enthralling viewing, Cori Grauff will take on Darya Kasatkina.

Cori enters the scene after losing to Carolina Garcia 4-6, 3-6 to begin her campaign. In that game, Cori had a 61% first serve and could just convert a 54% win on the first serve. She was outplayed in both the return and service category. She had a 20-26 receiving points disadvantage while lagging behind in the service points 31-41. She lost five of the 13 service games. Her inability to employ a strong forehand was exposed by Garcia who knows how to use her power game and overwhelm opponents. Can Gauff present a better serve game here?

Kasatkina suffered an almost similar fate to Cori in her first game, she lost 2-6, 3-6 against Iga Swiatek, who is no shame considering the groove Iga has been all season long. In that game, Darya did have a 77% first serve but could only convert 54% win on first serve compared to 82% by Swiatek. She was thoroughly outplayed in terms of both the service points and receiving points. Darya has struggled against top players lately and has been unable to make deep runs in major tournaments. She has a chance to bounce back but her inability to keep up against elites is holding her back.

Kasatkina and Cori have met twice and both times Darya has won easily in two sets. They last met during Stuggart Open where Kasatkina had an easy win.

Both Cori and Darya have struggled with their service game lately which means that they are both hunting for a rhythm. It will be interesting to see how they respond after losing in straight sets. Cori is a young competitor and her forehand has held her back but she is one of the most athletic players and has enjoyed some deep runs in big tournaments. Darya has the advantage in the h2h but she has been not playing her best game lately. That is why I believe Cori can nab one here but this can go to the deciding set nonetheless.