For the first time in 50 years, there will be a WTA Queen’s Club Championship in addition to the men’s tournament and a thrilling slate of first-round match-ups are set to kick off the tournament in style. As always we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate, but who will book their spot in the second round in west London?
WTA Queen’s Club Day 1 Predictions
Leylah Fernandez vs Tatjana Maria
Head-to-head: Maria 2–0 Fernandez
This matchup pits Leylah Fernandez’s power from the baseline against Tatjana Maria’s touch and skill in the forecourt. While Maria’s sharp qualifying form in London (dropping just nine games) highlights her grass-court IQ, Fernandez’s superior athleticism and return game should help her dictate rallies with the German perhaps half-a-step slow at this stage in her career. The key will be Fernandez’s patience in handling Maria’s disruptive style. On a quick grass court, patience can be hard to find, and Maria may well have the edge here.
Prediction: Maria in 3
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Petra Kvitova vs Beatriz Haddad Maia
Head-to-head: Kvitova 1–1 Haddad Maia
Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova will need to be at her best to get past Beatriz Haddad Maia – not least because the Brazilian won their most recent match on a grass court in Birmingham in three years ago. The Czech’s form has also been indifferent since her return to the tour following maternity leave, though she does have a very good record on grass courts with a 74% career win rate. The Brazilian court-craft and power could help her to disrupt rhythm, but in truth it has not been a great 2025 for Haddad Maia. Kvitova’s experience in the big moments should prove decisive.
Prediction: Kvitova in 3
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Daria Kasatkina vs Sonay Kartal
Head-to-head: first meeting
The experienced Daria Kasatkina faces a stern test against Sonay Kartal, who has made impressive strides in recent months. While Kasatkina’s tactical game thrives on clay, her record on grass leaves something to be desired and Kartal’s aggressive baseline tennis should help the Briton to exploit the faster grass conditions. There isn’t a huge amount in this match, but if she can maintain her composure when it matters most, and use the support of her home crowd, Kartal should have enough to edge this.
Prediction: Kartel in 3
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
