The U.S. Open Series commences with the WTA 500 in Washington, brought back last year after a short absence and now upgraded to a higher category. As always, we here at LWOT will preview and predict every match. Who do you think will win?
WTA Washington Day 2 Predictions
Sofia Kenin vs Magdalena Frech
Head-to-head: first meeting
Kenin, a former grand slam champion and a wildcard this week, has had a mixed bag of a season. The American has a 17-15 record at the moment but looked good last time out, qualifying and reaching the third round at Wimbledon, beating Coco Gauff along the way. Frech broke a three-match losing streak by qualifying in Washington, first getting a retirement after one set from Kayla Day before beating teen sensation Clervie Ngounoue 7-6 7-5. Kenin’s Wimbledon run showed a lot of promise going forward and I believe she could be a threat on U.S. hard courts.
Prediction: Kenin in 2
Embed from Getty Images
Hailey Baptiste vs Karolina Pliskova
Head-to-head: first meeting
D.C. native Hailey Baptiste lost three straight matches coming into the Citi Open and summoned an impressive level over two of the brightest American rising stars. The 21-year-old beat Alycia Parks 6-3 6-1 and Peyton Stearns 7-6 6-2 to qualify, next facing Karolina Pliskova. The former No. 1, making her first Washington appearance since 2012, struggled on the natural services. The Czech’s only win in her last seven matches came via retirement in Eastbourne. While her hard court record on the year is decent, Pliskova looks devoid of confidence at the moment so a rolling Baptiste could very well take her out.
Prediction: Baptiste in 2
Embed from Getty Images
[cta id=4013 type=cta]
Zheng Qinwen vs Madison Keys
Head-to-head: first meeting
Two top 25 players facing off in the opening round here. Keys, 25-9 on the season, enjoyed a brilliant grass season, going 9-1 with a title from Eastbourne and a Wimbledon quarterfinal. Zheng failed to win a set on grass but bounced back with her biggest title yet in Palermo, beating both Mayar Sherif and Jasmine Paolini 6-1 in the third in the semifinal and final. This match could really go either way but with Keys giving herself uninterrupted preparation on hard while Zheng switched to clay and back, I see the American with some edge here.
Prediction: Keys in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
