Let’s wrap up the second round of the 2023 WTA National Bank Open in Montreal on Day 3 of the event. Petra Kvitova will face Camila Giorgi in what is a matchup of former Montreal champions–the Czech won it in 2012, the Italian just two years ago. We also look at the rest of the day’s matches in two separate articles, featuring Caroline Wozniacki vs Marketa Vondrousova and Iga Swiatek vs Karolina Pliskova. Who do you think will remain in the tournament?
WTA Montreal Day 3 Predictions
Coco Gauff vs Katie Boulter
Head-to-head: Boulter 1-0
Coco Gauff is coming off a very strong set of performances to win the Washington title and she virtually destroyed every opponent along the way. This is something that we weren’t really used to seeing from her, especially against fellow top 10/20 players. Katie Boulter has the lone head-to-head win against her from Melbourne (not the Slam, though, a WTA 250) two years ago, but that’s not something that the American will be losing sleep over. She’s the clear favorite here.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Jessica Pegula vs Yulia Putintseva
Head-to-head: Pegula 1-0
Jessica Pegula beat Yulia Putintseva at this event last year, although that was in Toronto. The courts in Montreal could be slightly better for the Kazakh in this matchup, but likely not enough for this to matter (almost at all). While Pegula isn’t making steps forward in her career now, she remains the very same consistent force on Tour, and after making the Washington semifinals last week, should be able to produce another solid run here.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
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Karolina Muchova vs Sorana Cirstea
Head-to-head: Muchova 2-1
Karolina Muchova is currently 2-2 since making the finals at Roland Garros, unable to use that momentum and the achievement to her advantage just yet. The best match she’s played since was definitely her opening-round win over Anastasia Potapova here, though. Sorana Cirstea is no slouch though and also enjoying a decent campaign, especially with her form at the Sunshine Double. They’ve already played twice this year and they split their meetings, so it won’t be easy for Muchova.
Prediction: Muchova in 3
Petra Kvitova vs Camila Giorgi
Head-to-head: 2-2
Despite their rivalry being tied after four meetings, they actually all ended in straight sets. But maybe it makes sense with this sort of a hard-hitting contest and the battle for baseline dominance that we’re going to witness here. Petra Kvitova is having a bit of a resurgence this year and played fine so far in all of the fast hard court/grass venues. But perhaps this is the first time their match goes to a deciding set if Camila Giorgi, the most recent Montreal champion, is hitting well.
Prediction: Kvitova in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
