Caroline Garcia vs Ena Shibahara Prediction & Betting Tips - WTA Mérida

Prediction published on 11/09/2024, 14:19  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 11/09/2024 at 15:12 in Tennis Predictions

Fourth seeded Caroline Garcia begins her Guadalajara Open Akron campaign. After receiving a first round bye, the French player takes on qualifier Ena Shibahara in the last 16. Here's our match prediction.

The latest rankings have Garcia in 30th position but she's three places lower in the live rankings. That fall in her ranking is due to the fact that last year saw her get to the semi-finals of this WTA 500 hard court tournament.

The 30-year-old would certainly like to produce some of the form shown here last year. Her last three matches have all ended in defeat with all being played on different surfaces.

Her most recent defeat was in the first round of the US Open, losing to Renata Zarazua in straight sets. Her best form on hard courts this year came in Miami. Garcia reached the last eight and had wins over Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff.

It's a massive week for Ena Shibahara who is down at 169th in the latest ranking list. That  was a career-high for the 26-year-old but a new one has been set this week. Her low ranking meant two qualifying rounds had to be played by her.

The second of those saw her have to go to a final set after losing the second against Elizabeth Mandlik. That win took her into the main draw and in round one, Shibahara beat fellow qualifier Kimberly Birrell in straight sets and is now 144th in the live list.

The Japanese player got to the second round of the US Open this year but only won one game against Iga Swiatek. A top 40 player in doubles, Shibahara has mainly played on the ITF singles circuit with one title won this year.

We tip Garcia to win this match.