Day 1 at the WTA ASB Classic in Auckland promises a plethora of intriguing matchups. The WTA 250 event returns to the calendar for the first time since 2020. There will be seven matches on schedule on Monday and we have predictions for all those matches covered, including Venus Williams’ meeting against compatriot Katie Volynets. Who will reach the second round in Auckland?
WTA Auckland Day 1 Predictions
Rebecca Marino vs Dalma Galfi
Head-to-head: first meeting
Rebecca Marino is coming off a great season in 2022, winning an ITF title at the start of March and reaching the quarterfinals at the WTA 500 event in Washington. Galfi is a frontrunner in taking over as Hungary’s top-ranked woman, sitting just five spots below Anna Bondar. She has shown flashes of her talent in 2022. And now having solidified her status inside the Top 100, we will see her more frequently in main draw action at Tour level. Her gameplan is defined by taking the ball early behind the return and having a penchant for mixing things up. She uses the slice and drop shot to good effect. But she won’t have too much time to hit inside her comfort zone against Marino. The Canadian has a terrific first serve and won’t give up cheap points.
Prediction: Marino in 3
Tereza Martincova vs Julia Grabher
Head-to-head: Grabher 1-0 Martincova
Just a few spots separate Martincova and Grabher in the rankings. The Czech though is vastly experienced at Tour level and surface preference might favor Martincova. Grabher played only nine outdoor hard-court matches last year, winning three times. Martincova should have the upper hand in this matchup.
Prediction: Martincova in 2
Caty McNally vs Ysaline Bonaventure
Head-to-head: first meeting
McNally is famous for her doubles prowess, which explains why her singles career is yet to take off. Balancing both disciplines has been a challenge for the 21-year-old. But McNally can emulate the likes of Ashleigh Barty, Barbora Krejcikova, and Elise Mertens in translating doubles success on a singles court. She played exceptionally well towards the end of 2022, reaching the last eight in Ostrava and capturing the WTA 125K title in Midland. Her opponent in Auckland is the Belgian qualifier Ysaline Bonaverunure. The 28-year-old came through a scruffy qualifying match against Arantxa Rus to reach the main draw and will be no pushover. McNally, however, should be well adept to pick up from where she left off.
Prediction: McNally in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
