Day 2 of the WTA Montreal Masters contains a very exciting occasion. Former Australian Open Caroline Wozniacki champion makes her first tournament appearance since announcing her return to tennis. The focus of much of the tennis world will be on the Dane. But there are many other exciting matchups in Canada for fans to enjoy as well. Comment below which players you think will win to reach the next round.
WTA Montreal Day 2 Predictions
Lauren Davis vs Alycia Parks
Head-to-head: First meeting
This battle of the Americans is not an easy one to call. Parks is #48 in the world, while Davis is #54. Davis is the player with the greater momentum after a good run to the Round of 16 in Washington as a qualifier. 22-year-old Parks does have a lot of talent when she manages to put her whole game together. Each player also has one WTA tournament win on a hard court this year. It is a tossup, but a very slight edge is given to Parks. Her playing style is suitable to the conditions in Montreal if she is near her best. But that is not predicted with certainty.
Prediction: Parks in 3
Bernarda Pera vs Yulia Putinsteva
Head-to-head: Pera 1-1 Putinsteva
Both these women have a preference for clay, having each achieved their biggest tournament victories on the dirt. Pera is probably a little bit more of a clay court specialist though. Putinsteva has reached three finals on hard courts throughout her career, and has been somewhat more adaptable than the American. Pera is always a very good competitor, but her opponent has slightly more firepower in addition that I think will end up being crucial in this one. Putinsteva to win quite comfortably.
Prediction: Putinsteva in 2
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Leylah Fernandez vs Peyton Stearns
Head-to-head: Stearns 1-0 Fernandez
Stearns will have some momentum after her positive run in Washington. She reached the Round of 16 after coming through qualifying, and also competed very well against Jessica Pegula despite losing in straight sets. Fernandez’s Washington was identical. As a qualifier she made it to the round of 16, but lost to eventual finalist Maria Sakkari. Stearns did beat Fernandez this year, although that was on clay. I think the Canadian will get her revenge at her home tournament. It may be tight, but Fernandez will be better able to redirect the pace of Stearns shots on a hard court.
Prediction: Fernandez in 3
Caroline Wozniacki vs Kimberly Birrell
Head-to-head: First meeting
It is absolutely wonderful for the women’s game to see the always-likable Wozniacki return. It is near impossible to know what the Dane’s level will be like in her first match. On paper it is a good start for her. This is no disrespect to the undoubtedly talented Birrell. And the Australian player is certainly capable of taking advantage if Wozniacki plays at a very low level in her first match back. It is a hard contest to predict with any kind of certainty. My gut instinct is that crowd support will take the former Australian Open champion over the line.
Prediction: Wozniacki in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
