The tennis world never sleeps, and less than 48 hours after the conclusion of the 2025 US Open Women’s Final, main draw WTA action kicks off in Guadalajara, Mexico. The draw features four Top 30 players but also has room for some unexpected deep runs from lower-ranked players. As always, we at LWOT offer our preview and prediction for every match on the slate. But who will advance at WTA Guadalajara?
WTA Guadalajara Day 1 Predictions
Iva Jovic vs Katarzyna Kawa
Head-to-Head: Jovic 1-0 Kawa
Jovic downed Kawa in the final round of qualifying at The All-England Club a few months ago. It was a tight three-set battle, something I expect to see at WTA Guadalajara. The 17-year-old American phenom has been terrific this year, specifically against players ranked below her. She is 18-6 in such matches this year. Kawa has won just a single match since mid-July and will struggle to fend off the consistent groundstrokes from her younger opponent.
Prediction: Jovic in 2
Nikola Bartunkova vs Nicole Fossa Huergo
Head-to-Head: first meeting
This is a terrific opportunity for two players ranked outside the Top 100 to make some noise at a Tour-level event. The 19-year-0ld Bartunkova has played terrific tennis at the ITF-level this year, posting an 18-4 with two titles in such matches since late-June. Fossa Huergo, on the other hand, has only eight total wins at all levels this season. The Czech should roll.
Prediction: Bartunkova in 2
Maria Sakkari vs Elsa Jacquemot
Head-to-Head: Sakkari 0-1 Jacquemot
An intriguing Round 1 matchup at WTA Guadalajara pits former World No. 3 Maria Sakkari against 22-year-old rising star Elsa Jacquemot. Sakkari is winding down one of the worst years of her career and will be hoping to find any momentum to close 2025. On the other hand, Jacquemot has played the most Tour-level tennis of her career in 2025 and broke into the Top 100 for the first time last month. This is a coin flip for me. If Sakkari is on, she can blast the Frenchwoman off the court. However, her inconsistencies this season are tough to side with.
Prediction: Jacquemot in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports
