The WTA National Bank Open in Montreal kicks off with a stellar field of women including top seed Aryna Sabalenka and second seed and defending champion Bianca Andreescu. After an injury absence, Simona Halep will take the court. Not competing in Canada are World #1 Ash Barty, Naomi Osaka, Sofia Kenin, Iga Swiatek, and Gold Medal winner Belinda Bencic.
Here’s a look at four of the WTA Montreal Day 1 matches. We also have predictions for matches featuring Magda Linette and Maria Sakkari.
Montreal Day 1 Predictions
Alison Riske vs Sorana Cirstea
Head to head: Riske 3-4 Cirstea
In the eighth edition of Riske versus Cirstea, the American will be eager to even the score. Romania’s Cirstea edged out Riske in their last encounter. While Riske made some headway in improving her erratic form in San Jose, it will take some work for the American to find her footing.
Cirstea has been rather impressive. Yet, this will be Cirstea’s first match since Wimbledon. It will take a bit to shake off the rust. And, that may well will give Riske the opening she needs.
Prediction: Riske in 3
Oceane Dodin vs Karolina Muchova
Head to head: First meeting
Fourteenth seed Karolina Muchova will take on qualifier Oceane Dodin to open her Montreal campaign. Muchova had a great run in London, reaching the quarterfinals before falling to the resurgent Angelique Kerber. While she hasn’t played many tournaments, she reached quarterfinals or better in four of the tournaments–taking out some top tier talent along the way. The Czech should have an easy couple of rounds before a probably third round clash with compatriot Karolina Pliskova.
Prediction: Muchova in 2
Harriet Dart vs Leylah Fernandez
Head to head: First meeting
Harriet Dart earned her main draw berth through qualifying rounds. The Briton went the distance in both of her matches, edging out Bernarda Pera and Christina McHale in the decider. It’s given Dart some much needed confidence as she takes on Canadian Leylah Fernandez.
Other than winning the Monterrey Open, Fernandez has endured a lot of early exits. This should be an evenly matched competition in which Fernandez will find herself pushed. Certainly it’s a match she is most capable of winning – bit it will take a bit of work.
Prediction: Fernandez in 3
Paula Badosa vs Viktorija Golubic
Head to head: First meeting
Paula Badosa impressed in Tokyo. Not surprising, the Spaniard has been on an impressive run. Now sitting at World #29, Badosa has reached her best singles ranking yet. And, she shows no signs of letting up. In her opener, Badosa will face Viktorija Golubic.
The Swiss is experiencing a renaissance, having reached two singles final on tour. Her quarterfinal appearance at Wimbledon showed she’s not just capable on the hard courts. Alongside Belinda Bencic, Golubic won the doubles silver medal.
Badosa appears to be the favorite in this clash. Yet, Golubic should not be written off quite so easily. You can expect this one to go the distance. It’s really Badosa’s power that will push her through the big points.
Prediction: Badosa in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
