Caroline Wozniacki’s comeback continues and despite being initially drawn against Elina Svitolina, she’ll actually face Varvara Gracheva on Day 2 of the WTA 1000 in Cincinnati, after the Ukrainian’s withdrawal. Will she look as good as in Montreal? Who do you think will win?
WTA Cincinnati Day 2 Predictions
Magda Linette vs Ann Li
Head-to-head: Linette 1-0
Magda Linette beat Ann Li on grass four years ago, but the American was only about to turn 19 back then. An Australian Open semifinalist this year, the Pole hasn’t followed it up though and isn’t performing as if it was the best season of her career outside of just that one result. It seems like Li could actually have a decent shot at an upset, despite falling down all the way to World No. 192. She qualified and got plenty of match practice on these courts, while Linette didn’t look 100% against Victoria Azarenka last week.
Prediction: Li in 3
Madison Keys vs Elise Mertens
Head-to-head: Keys 3-0
Elise Mertens is obviously a quality player, but she has the misfortune of running into Madison Keys on all the faster courts. US Open, Australian Open, Wimbledon–these were all their meetings so far and the Belgian is yet to take a set. Cincinnati shouldn’t be that much easier with Keys claiming the title here back in 2019 and generally loving the conditions. The only problem is her walkover last week, so perhaps Mertens can neutralize her if not fully fit.
Prediction: Keys in 2
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Caroline Wozniacki vs Varvara Gracheva
Head-to-head: First meeting
Caroline Wozniacki’s comeback looked very promising in Montreal. Despite being out of the game for three and a half years, the Dane executed her game at a high level and showed some glimpses of a more aggressive mindset. Now it’s time for her to show that it can continue. Varvara Gracheva had an amazing patch earlier in the season, but she’s nowhere near as good now and only got in as a lucky loser. That’s a good draw for Wozniacki and she seems to be really fit again too.
Prediction: Wozniacki in 2
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
