The American hard court swing is in full flow for both the ATP and WTA tours. This week Canada plays host to the some of the best in the women’s game as the Rogers Cup gets under way in Toronto. All of the top 20 are in the draw with the exception of Danielle Collins and Victoria Azarenka. What that means for us is quality tennis throughout the week. World #1 Iga Swiatek starts the week as the deserving favourite. However, she is once again beatable and the likes of Anett Kontaveit and Maria Sakkari will be keen to prove that here. Several matches take place on Monday and we cover three of them here in this set of WTA Toronto day 1 predictions.
WTA Toronto Day 1 Predictions
Jil Teichmann vs Venus Williams
Head-to-head: First meeting
Most of the tennis world is waiting patiently for both Venus Williams and her sister Serena to announce their retirements. The US Open looks like the tournament it should happen at, but until then the pair will look to build momentum in the hopes of one last hoorah in front of their home fans. That being said, it’s hard to give Williams much of a chance here against Jil Teichmann. The Swiss star has vastly improved on hard courts in the last 12 months. She is also in the midst of the best spell of tennis she’s ever played. At #21 in the world, Teichmann will be keen to make her debut in the top 20 with a couple of wins in Toronto. Expect her to get her first in this match against a true great of the game.
Prediction: Teichmann in 2
Barbora Krejcikova vs Karolina Pliskova
Head-to-head: 2 – 0 Pliskova
This match will likely be one-sided. The question is, which way will it lean? If Karolina Pliskova serves well and gets enough balls in her strike zone then she should dominate. However, if Krejcikova can use her court craft to make Pliskova move, then the former French Open champion should win comfortably. Krejcikova has shown signs of her best tennis in recent weeks and I think she’ll have the better of Pliskova here. I doubt this one will go the distance, and Krejcikova should emerge the victor at the end of it.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 2
Simona Halep vs Donna Vekic
Head-to-head: 2 – 0 Halep
Simona Halep has shown signs of some great tennis since teaming up with Patrick Mouratoglou. However, the pair are yet to make a serious statement with a big title this year. You have to feel it’s only a matter of time given the quality Halep possesses, but she will do well to win the title here. Donna Vekic has found some form in recent months and should put up a good fight in this match. However, I expect the number of balls Halep sends back will eventually draw too many errors from her racket. The pocket rocket Romanian should win this one.
Prediction: Halep in 3
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