After the short grass-court swing in Europe, all the players will be ready for the North America hard-court swing leading up to the final Grand Slam of the year, the US Open. The Washington Open (also known as the Citi Open) will be the first stop for many players as they get their US Open preparations underway.
Washington Open Day 1 Predictions
Christina McHale vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
Head-to-head: Pavlyuchenkova leads 5-2
Even though Pavlyuchenkova leads their head-to-head 5-2, the Russian’s form this year has been subpar by her standards as she currently on an 11-13 win-loss record this year. McHale, meanwhile, has had a good run this year, including an impressive 26-17 win-loss record so far this season. Based on form, the American should get through without much trouble.
Prediction: McHale in 2
Varvara Gracheva vs Anna Blinkova
Head-to-head: First meeting
20-year-old Blinkova has had a stellar season and has already accumulated 30 wins on the WTA Tour this year. Gracheva has been mostly playing ITFs and qualifiers throughout 2019 and has been struggling with confidence recently as results have not gone her way. If Blinkova can take advantage of Gracheva’s dip in form, the confident young Russian should take advantage of this and beat the American.
Prediction: Blinkova in 2
Ons Jabeur vs Iga Swiatek
Head-to-head: First meeting
Both players have been similar in terms of form coming into this match. Swiatek is only 18 years old, so arguably has less experience out of the pair and this could decide the winner out of the match.
Jabeur also had a good run in Eastbourne on grass, reaching the semifinals and defeating Johanna Konta along the way. If she is still in that kind of form, she definitely is the favorite in this match.
Prediction: Jabeur in 3
Eugenie Bouchard vs Lauren Davis
Head-to-head: Bouchard leads 2-1
The talented Canadian has really been struggling all year with her game. She has yet to win a singles match since February in Dubai and is just hovering outside of the Top 100.
Davis, on the other hand, has already won 26 matches this year and a few ITF titles recently. It could be said Davis is the heavy favorite in the match, not only with the better form but also having a good home crowd support.
Prediction: Davis in 2
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