The Chicago Classic sees Women’s tennis legend Kim Clijsters resume her attempts to return to the peak of her powers. Joining her in Monday’s action are several home favourites looking to keep this trophy on home soil. The field is packed with talent and should make for a great week of tennis. Who emerges victorious at the end of each day is a hard thing to call. Nonetheless, we will endeavour to do exactly that in our WTA Chicago Classic Day 1 predictions. We also predict the rest of the day’s action, split between two other articles. One features Marketa Vondrousova vs Ajla Tomljanovic, and the second features Madison Keys vs Aliaksandra Sasnovich.
WTA Chicago Classic Day 1 Predictions
Donna Vekic vs Ann Li
Head-to-head: First meeting
On paper this looks a fairly easy match for Ann Li. The young American star has shown she is the real deal in recent months and continues to climb the women’s rankings at a steady rate. By contrast, Vekic has tumbled rapidly and now sits outside the top 100 in the women’s game. The Croatian has put together multiple wins only twice since the Australian Open and is in desperate need of a decent run. Unfortunately for her it looks like she will be headed for another early exit here. Li is a talented player and full of confidence in her breakout year. Expect her to advance here on the back of that form and confidence.
Prediction: Li in 2
Mai Hontama vs Caroline Garcia
Head-to-head: First meeting
Despite her woeful form in recent months, this is still a very winnable match for Caroline Garcia. The French woman would need to play very, very badly to let this match get away from her and I can’t see that happening. Hontama has done well to make it through qualifying in Chicago but I’m afraid that is as far as she is going to make it in this tournament. Garcia has more weapons, a higher ceiling and far more experience at this level. She should move on comfortably here.
Prediction: Garcia in 2
Kirsten Flipkens vs Danielle Collins
Head-to-head: 1 – 0 Collins
Another relatively straightforward call here. Collins is in the form of her life and is having a career year despite battling endometriosis earlier this season. The American won back-to-back titles last month and will feel confident of another good run on home soil here in Chicago. She plays aggressive baseline tennis and should have too much power for Flipkens here. The Belgian is a tricky customer, but Collins should see this one through.
Prediction: Collins in 2
Kim Clijsters vs Su-Wei Hsieh
Head-to-head: First meeting
Honestly, I have no idea how to call this. Clijsters at her best is the favorite to win almost any match she plays in. However, she isn’t the multiple Grand Slam champion of old. At least not yet anyway. Hsieh is a tough customer who can make life awkward for anyone. I’m going to give the edge to Clijsters here though only because despite her time away from the game she is still striking the ball incredible cleanly. Hsieh has a very attackable serve which means the Belgian has a huge advantage if she can continue hitting the ball well. This could go the distance, but I expect Clijsters to emerge the victor.
Prediction: Clijsters in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
