Day 1 of the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati is upon us with a star-studded lineup to kick off the tournament. 7-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams is in action, as well as hometown favorite Caty Mcnally. We also have predictions for more of Cincinnati’s Monday matches.
WTA Cincinnati Day 1 Predictions
Johanna Konta vs Rebecca Peterson
H2H- First Meeting
This match has the potential to be tricky for Johanna Konta. Peterson is playing well right now, advancing to the main draw with a 6-2 6-1 win over Barbora Strycova in the final round of qualifying. Konta is short on match play with just one match since Wimbledon. I think Konta wins this one though after the disappointing loss in Toronto last week.
Prediction: Konta in 2
Caroline Garcia vs Iga Swiatek
H2H- First Meeting
Iga Swiatek definitely would’ve benefited with a day off on Monday after a busy weekend in qualifying. The 18-year-old went the distance in each of her two matches winning both 6-4 in the third set. Before that, she also reached the round of 16 in Toronto, defeating Caroline Wozniacki along the way. If she has anything left in the tank I think she beats Garcia, but I think fatigue gets the best of her here. A loss from Swiatek might not also be the worst thing for her sake with the US Open just two weeks away.
Predction: Garcia in 2
Elise Mertens vs Caty McNally
H2H- First Meeting
It’ll be interesting to see how Caty McNally plays with her hometown crowd behind her. The American had a breakthrough run at the Citi Open in Washington, D.C., reaching the semifinals before falling to eventual runner-up Camila Giorgi. McNally could’ve made a little run with a better draw, but I think the more experienced player picks up the win here.
Prediction: Mertens in 2
Venus Williams vs Lauren Davis
H2H- Williams leads 3-0
Venus Williams is not in good form as of late, coming into Cincinnati with a four-match losing streak. Luckily she’s up against fellow American Lauren Davis who’s given her no trouble in their previous meetings. Davis doesn’t exactly present weapons that should scare Venus, but she’ll make her work. I think Davis keeps it close, but look for Venus Williams to pick up her first win since June.
Predction: Williams in 3
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