Four women’s Grand Slam champions are in action on the first day in Toronto. This includes 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens and 2020 Australian Open winner Sofia Kenin, whose matches are predicted in this article. As always, we at LWOT predict all the WTA Toronto contests on Day 1, including Elina Svitolina vs Shelby Rogers and Bianca Andreescu vs Lesia Tsurenko. Who do you think will win on the opening day?
WTA Toronto Day 1 Predictions
Moyuka Uchijma vs Viktoriya Tomova
Head-to-head: First meeting
Uchijima made headlines for her astonishing comeback from 5-7 1-5 and match point down against Eugenie Bouchard in the qualifying. After surviving that and making the main draw, she probably feels she has nothing to lose. Aside from a run to the semifinal of the Bad Homburg Open before Wimbledon, Tomova has mostly struggled this season. Nonetheless, I feel her greater firepower can carry her over the line here, although it may be tight.
Prediction: Tomova in 3
Sofia Kenin vs Yafan Wang
Head-to-head: Kenin 3-0 Wang
Kenin made a terrible start to the season. She has improved her level somewhat since beating Ons Jabeur in Rome, although she is still far below the level that took her to the Australian Open title. This is a good matchup for her, though. Wang has built a steady career on the WTA Tour, but there is nothing special in her game. Kenin does everything better when she is performing anywhere near her best.
Prediction: Kenin in 2
Dayana Yastremska vs Yulia Putintseva
Head-to-head: First meeting
Yastremska has struggled for consistency since reaching the Australian Open semifinal at the start of the year. Putintseva is probably not the best player to face under those circumstances. She is in the middle of an excellent season and possesses a crafty playing style to disrupt the Ukrainian. Yastremska’s formidable power is capable of hitting through Putintseva at her best. Right now, I do not trust her enough to find that level.
Prediction: Putintseva in 3
Sloane Stephens vs Greet Minnen
Head-to-head: Stephens 2-0 Minnen
Stephens desperately needs a good run. Since claiming the title in Rouen and winning a couple of matches in Madrid in April, the American has only managed two victories. She may panic if Minnen proves to be too great a challenge for her. The Belgian is a solid competitor, but Stephens’ overall game and athleticism are superior. Minnen could have a chance if she hangs in due to her opponent’s lack of form, but Stephens should be able to secure a much-needed win.
Prediction: Stephens in 2
Main Photo Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
