Tuesday’s action at the 2025 WTA Citi Open in Washington, D.C. will feature multiple Grand Slam champions. As always, we here at LWOT previewing and predicting the remaining first round matches. Who will advance?
WTA Washington Day 2 Predictions
McCartney Kessler vs Caroline Dolehide
Head-to-head: First meeting
After a breakout start to 2025, Kessler enters the North American hard court swing with lots of expectations. Meanwhile, Dolehide successfully qualified for this tournament, and she made the semifinals of this tournament last year. A loss for Dolehide will drop her ranking a fair bit, so there may be pressure for her to perform well. This should be a fun all-American encounter for the start of the day–but with both players possessing offensive tennis, Kessler has done everything a little bit better than her opponent this season.
Prediction: Kessler in 3
Taylor Townsend vs Tatjana Maria
Head-to-head: First meeting
Townsend has had a tough season at Tour-level, compiling a 2-5 record in 2025 as of July. Her lefty game is always fun and crafty when at its best, and she’ll have to face a fellow tactical player here. At 37 years old, Maria is notably near her career high ranking, but hard courts are her worst surface statistically. Maria has to be the favorite in this match with her steady form, but Townsend tends to perform well in front of her home crowd. Look for a 50-50 match that comes down to whoever can execute on break points.
Prediction: Maria in 3
Marta Kostyuk vs Emma Raducanu
Head-to-head: Kostyuk 2-1
Raducanu will have a lot to prove during this hard court season, as her ranking has steadily improved, but she continues to eye a WTA Tour final that she hasn’t reached since her stunning 2021 US Open run. Meanwhile, Kostyuk had a promising clay court season, but currently sits at a five-match losing streak dating back to mid-May. The Ukranian won the pair’s latest meeting in Madrid this year, but I like Raducanu’s chances to grind out a tough three-set win. The Brit was solid at this tournament last year where she reached the quarterfinals and nearly defeated the eventual champion Paula Badosa.
Prediction: Raducanu in 3
Naomi Osaka vs Yulia Putintseva
Head-to-head: 3-3
This matchup is an underrated rivalry, and classic contrast of styles. Putintseva has stunned a then-top-ranked Osaka at tournaments like Wimbledon, while Osaka has won the pair’s last two meetings–both of which occurred on hard courts. I’d say this match comes down to Osaka’s serve, and whether she can hit the ground running with consistent first serves. If the rallies get longer, Putintseva’s defense and variety will ease her way back into the match. Neither player has performed too well on hard courts earlier in the season, but Osaka’s latest wins over Putintseva might give her the edge. Look for her to win in two close sets that come down to the wire.
Prediction: Osaka in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
