Despite rain plaguing the tournament throughout its opening day, WTA Montreal got most play done with only Daria Kasatkina vs Elise Mertens carrying over to Day 2. As always, we here at LWOT will preview and predict every match. Who do you think will win?
WTA Montreal Day 2 Predictions
Petra Martic vs Lesia Tsurenko
Head-to-head: Martic 1-0 Tsurenko
Martic dominated their previous meeting, allowing Tsurenko just three games when they played in Madrid in 2018. The Croat had a decent grass season with Eastbourne quarterfinals and a Wimbledon third round but lost in her Washington opener to Sorana Cirstea. Tsurenko also showed up at Wimbledon, reaching the fourth round, and is playing her first tournament since. The Ukrainian had to come through qualifying, beating Bianca Fernandez, Leylah’s younger sister, and Elizabeth Mandlik. Tsurenko has a much better hardcourt record this season and with form from qualifying, she should be the favorite here.
Prediction: Tsurenko in 2
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Camila Giorgi vs Bianca Andreescu
Head-to-head: Andreescu 1-0 Giorgi
Giorgi, the 2021 Montreal champion, had to start in qualifying on her return. The Italian beat Elvina Kalieva in straight sets but dropped a set to Ashlyn Krueger before getting into the main draw. Andreescu recently spoke about her frustrations with her current ranking, wishing to re-enter the Top 20 by the end of the season. The Canadian would have to have a string of results that we haven’t seen from her since Covid, most recently losing to Marta Kostyuk in Washington. This match could really go either way and with Andreescu in front of her home crowd, she should be a slight favorite.
Prediction: Andreescu in 3
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Elena Rybakina vs Jennifer Brady
Head-to-head: first meeting
Rybakina has not had good previous results in Canada, losing in the second round of Toronto last year and the first round of Montreal the year before. The Kazakh comes into the tournament as a more established star than in previous years but Brady will provide an interesting challenge. The American made her WTA comeback last week in Washington, beating Anhelina Kalinina and losing to Madison Keys. Brady had a rollercoaster of an opener in Montreal, saving two match points to beat Jelena Ostapenko 10-8 in a third-set tiebreak despite getting bageled in the second set. I think Brady will push Rybakina here but the 24-year-old will come through.
Prediction: Rybakina in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
