The WTA Tour returns to Monterrey, Mexico for the 2022 Abierto GNP Seguros. Heather Watson won this event in 2016, the Brit will begin her 2022 Monterrey on day 1 where she faces German qualifier Jule Niemeier. Watson is in desperate need for some wins, can she make a winning start in Monterrey?
WTA Monterrey Day 1 Predictions
Camila Osorio vs Magdalena Frech
H2H: First meeting.
Camila Osorio had a good week in Guadalajara last week where she made the quarterfinals. However, her tournament ended on a sour note, a mostly uncompetitive straight set loss to Anna Kalinskaya where she had some injury issues. She will need to recover quickly as she faces a solid opening round opponent in Monterrey in the form of Magdalena Frech. Osorio seems to be set for a letdown here after struggling in her last match, the Pole is decent enough to take advantage.
Prediction: Frech in 3
Diane Parry vs Viktoriya Tomova
H2H: first meeting.
A winnable matchup for each player. Parry ended 2021 strongly on the clay at the ITF level but has suffered some heavy losses this year on the hard courts. Tomova is a solid player with slightly more experience at this level. A good opportunity for Bulgarian, she should be good enough to make the most of it.
Prediction: Tomova in 3
Renata Zarazua vs Harmony Tan
H2H: Zarazua 2-0.
Renata Zarazua has struggled this season. However, she showed signs of life last week despite another opening round exit. Zarazua pushed Magdalena Frech in a lengthy three set battle, showing that a form reversal could be around the corner. Perhaps in Monterrey. Tan will have other ideas. The Frenchwoman has been building momentum lately, including a run through qualifying this week. Zarazua has had success in this matchup in the past. Tan has improved since their last meeting, whilst Zarazua’s level has deteriorated. Tan should be too solid on this occasion, but this won’t be an easy matchup.
Prediction: Tan in 3
Heather Watson vs Jule Niemeier
H2H: First meeting.
Heather Watson is a former champion in Monterrey, having won the tournament in 2016. Two of Watson’s four WTA singles titles were won in Mexico as her most recent triumph was in Acapulco in 2020. Clearly Watson enjoys playing Mexico, that will give her confidence heading into this tournament despite her poor recent form. Most of Niemeier’s success has come on clay, she’s on the rise but is likely to outclassed by Watson in these conditions.
Prediction: Watson in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
