The WTA Tour has shifted to the North American hardcourts as the top players in the world have descended upon Toronto, Canada, for the National Bank Open. WTA Toronto serves as one of the 1000-level lead-up events to the US Open and always produces phenomenal tennis. No. 3 seed Jessica Pegula gets her campaign started against former World No. 1 Karolina Pliskova. As always, we at LWOT have the preview and prediction for that match and all other happenings around the grounds of the National Bank Open. But who will advance?
WTA Toronto Day 2 Predictions
Magda Linette vs Rebecca Marino
Head-to-Head: Linette 2-0 Marino
Although they are separated by just one year in age, Magda Linette is ranked over 100 spots higher than Rebecca Marino. As a Canadian, Marino will have the support of the home crowd. However, I doubt that will be enough in this match. Linette won the title in Prague two weeks ago and typically takes care of business against lower-ranked opponents.
Prediction: Linette in 2
Ashlyn Krueger vs Elisabetta Cocciaretto
Head-to-Head: first meeting
20-year-old Ashlyn Krueger worked through two qualifying rounds to reach the main draw at the National Bank Open. She has struggled at the tour level this season but shows signs of being a terrific player in the future. Elisabetta Cocciaretto has played some great tennis over the last few months, reaching the second week at Roland Garros and the semifinals of Birmingham. This should be a back-and-forth encounter, but Krueger is the better hardcourt player, something that should prove to be the difference.
Prediction: Krueger in 3
Jessica Pegula vs Karolina Pliskova
Head-to-Head: Pegula 4-1
No. 3 seed Jessica Pegula gets her WTA Toronto campaign underway against former World No. 1 Karolina Pliskova. Pegula has dominated this head-to-head, though all five of their matchups came in 2021. The 30-year-old American will be disappointed in her Olympic result (second-round loss). I expect her to bounce back with a strong North American hardcourt swing. Pliskova was, at one time, one of the best hardcourt players in the world. However, I struggle to see her holding the consistency to take two sets off Pegula.
Prediction: Pegula in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports
