WTA STUTTGART. Naomi Osaka, Kerber, Pliskova in action on Thursday

Naomi Osaka, Angelique Kerber, and Karolina Pliskova are the big names in action on Thursday in Stuttgart.

Naomi Osaka vs. Su-Wei Hsieh

Head to head 1-1 (stats)

This will be probably the most exciting match of the day. While Naomi will kick-start her clay-court campaign, the Japanese also has to face a player that she really doesn’t like to deal with: Su-Wei Hsieh.

The talented Taiwanese uses incredible variations in her tennis that used to create many problems to the world no.1. Naomi defeated her at the recent Australian Open 5-7 6-4 6-1 after she was 5-7 1-4, but she surrendered to Su-Wei in Miami after losing 4-6 7-6 (4) 6-3.

They are going to play at 1.30pm on the Center Court.

Angelique Kerber vs. Andrea Petkovic

Head to head 4-3 for Kerber (stats)

Angelique and Andrea are going to fight in an all-German contest for the delight of the local crowd. Ranked no.5, Angelique is not having her finest season as she hasn’t managed to win a tournament yet. Her best result so far was reaching the final in Indian Wells where she lost to Bianca Andreescu 6-4 3-6 6-4.

Ranked no.71, Andrea Petkovic is struggling to find her best form. The former world no.9 reached the 2nd round in Stuttgart with a convincing 6-3 6-4 win over Sara Sorribes Torno.

They are scheduled to play at 6.30 pm on Center Court.

Karolina Pliskova vs. Vika Azarenka

Head to head 3-3 (stats)

This will be a match before 2 former world no.1. Ranked no.4, Karolina is the defending champion in Stuttgart, and she is having a rather good season so far. The Czech won Brisbane, she reached the semifinal at the Australian Open (after beating Serena Williams!), and she was the runner-up in Miami. This will be Karolina’s first match on clay in the season.

Ranked no.61, Vika is trying to get back to her best form after her pregnancy. After a not-so-great start of the season, the Belarussian impressed in Monterrey where she reached the final after defeating Angelique Kerber 6-4 4-6 6-1. Unfortunately, she had to withdraw in the final when she was 1-6 1-3 down against Garbine Muguruza because of a leg injury. Vika reached the 2nd round in Stuttgart after beating the former world no.2 Vera Zvonareva 7-5 6-4.

Karolina and Vika will play as the last match of the day on Center Court after Petkovic and Kerber. They are expected to commence their contest by 8.30pm.