Not only did Leylah Fernandez recently claim the WTA 500 title in Washington, she’s also a 2-time former champion in Monterrey (2021-22). That makes the No. 7 seed one of the biggest contenders for this trophy. But Jaqueline Cristian has proven to be a difficult opponent for the top players before–including Fernandez herself this season. Who do you think will advance to the second round in Monterrey?
WTA Monterrey Day 1 Predictions
Tatjana Maria vs Anna Bondar
Head-to-head: Maria 3-2
They’ve already played this year, with the veteran Tatjana Maria getting the job done in Austin. The German claiming that Queen’s Club title on grass was an unbelievable story, but at 38 years of age you have to wonder how much longer she’ll be able to keep pulling it off. Anna Bondar hasn’t done that well in this matchup despite having a strong enough baseline game to not feel terribly threatened by Maria’s slice-and-dice style. The Hungarian might have a decent shot at getting revenge here, especially if the match goes longer.
Prediction: Bondar in 3
Elise Mertens vs Anna Blinkova
Head-to-head: First meeting
Elise Mertens only played in Monterrey once before, when she reached the semifinals in 2023 (lost to Caroline Garcia). The Belgian is known for her excellent standard brough to every single match and tournament, which has often led to success in these last-minute Grand Slam warm-ups. Being so solid might benefit her against Anna Blinkova, who’s shown tremendous potential before (like in that win over Elena Rybakina at the Australian Open) but typically struggles to bring the same quality to the court in every single match.
Prediction: Mertens in 2
Leylah Fernandez vs Jaqueline Cristian
Head-to-head: Cristian 1-0
Leylah Fernandez shook herself out of a very mediocre campaign by claiming the Washington title, but so far it hasn’t been a springboard to further strong results. The Canadian suffered an opening-round exit in both Montreal and Cincinnati, which leaves her kind of needing one more confidence-booster ahead of the US Open. Jaqueline Cristian is no pushover and Fernandez will now that very well after losing to her in Indian Wells earlier this season. But now it’s time to use that big result from Washington for something and produce another run at a venue she’s been extremely efficient at.
Prediction: Fernandez in 3
Main Photo Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
