The hard court swing moves north to Canada for the Rogers Cup. It’s a jam packed field of top-tier talent competing in Toronto. Here’s a look at four of the opening round matches and predictions for who’ll be moving on to the second round.
WTA Toronto Rogers Cup Day 1 Predictions
Dayana Yastremska vs Johanna Konta
Head to head: Yastremska 0-1 Konta
Johanna Konta will be looking to transfer her clay season success to the hard courts. Where clay had previously been her kryptonite, 2019 saw her greatest successes. Britain’s #1 leads the WTA in break points saved at 65.5% over 41 matches. That should give 13th seed some confidence when she meets Ukraine’s rising star, Dayana Yastremska.
The 19-year-old earned the Taiwan Open title in January, demonstrating herself as a most capable hard court player. In her maiden appearance at the Rogers Cup, Yastremska received an unfortunate draw. Opening against the tough Brit is a difficult ask, but she also landed in the same section as World #1 Ashleigh Barty, resurgent Victoria Azarenka and crafty Hsieh Su-Wei. Challenging, no doubt, but he Ukrainian can surprise. I’m just not convinced that she’ll go far in Canada.
Prediction: Konta in 3
Caroline Wozniacki vs Yulia Putintseva
Head to head: Wozniacki 1-1 Putintseva
Yulia Putintseva has had some great hard court runs, just not at the Rogers Cup. In fact, Putintseva hasn’t made it through the first round in any appearance here. Now, she opens against Caroline Wozniacki, the 2017 finalist and 2010 champion. Sure, the Dane isn’t playing as well as she was in 2017. But, Caroline in Canada? I’m backing the newlywed for the win.
Prediction: Wozniacki in 2
Caroline Garcia vs Jelena Ostapenko
Head to head: First meeting
With her all or nothing style, Ostapenko can bring in the biggest wins or crash out in the opening round. You just never know what you’ll see from one tournament to the next. Certainly Ostapenko has incredible talent, but there’s no middle of the road. The Latvian leads the WTA tour in double faults – 222 in 28 matches. If it’s not her day, you can expect that double fault number to climb.
Caroline Garcia has been playing with intention. Focused, consistent and making some deep runs, including the Nottingham championship. The Frenchwoman’s decision to take a hiatus from doubles seems to have benefitted her singles game.
This match is nearly impossible to predict, as so much rides on the erratic Ostapenko’s play. Who knows if this is the match during which every piece clicks and Ostapenko runs away with the match. But, you can bet any Ostapenko letdown will be punished by Garcia.
Prediction: Garcia in 3
Maria Sharapova vs Anett Kontaveit
Head to head: Sharapova 1-0 Kontaveit
You have to wonder about Maria Sharapova’s health. It seems that ailments and injuries have frequently waylaid the Russian superstar. Her Wimbledon campaign was short-lived, retiring in the third set with a 0-5 score line. Even when fit, Sharapova’s serve can abandon her at any moment and the double faults build.
Anett Kontaveit has won a total of three matches since the French Open. The Estonian is simply not playing well. Going into a tournament in which she’s only won 50% of her matches and playing against the former World #1 will not be an easy day at the office for Kontaveit.
Sharapova will need a bit of time to shake off the rust. Neither she nor Kontaveit have played a tournament since Wimbledon. It should be an error laden start, but as the reacclimate to tournament play, it should be a competitive match. If Sharapova is healthy, Sharapova win.
Prediction: Sharapova in 2
Main Photo from Getty
