With the US Open looming ahead, the Washington Open (called the Citi Open for sponsorship purposes) will be the first stop for players to kick start their campaigns in the North American hard-court swing. We also have predictions for four other Day 1 matches in Washington.
Washington Open Day 1 Predictions
Katerina Siniakova vs Jessica Pegula
Head-to-head: First meeting
A tricky match to predict as both players have been in similar form. Arguably, Siniakova, the fourth seed here, has been in involved in “bigger” matches in her career, so the Czech will know how to play her style of game no matter how big the stage can get.
Pegula, on the other hand, could be nervous playing with a big crowd at home. She will need to compose herself quick, otherwise, the match could be over soon.
Prediction: Siniakova in 2
Yafan Wang vs Lesia Tsurenko
Head-to-head: Tsurenko leads 1-0
Wang, who won her first WTA title in Acapulco earlier in the year, has had a decent year. Her results in the past few months have been mediocre, but she is still playing with good confidence.
Tsurenko can be a tricky player to play against, and has troubled many top players in the past. If she can find that form, Wang will find it difficult.
Prediction: Tsurenko in 2
Nao Hibino vs Anna Kalinskaya
Head-to-head: Kalinskaya leads 1-0
20-year-old Kalinskaya has been in great form recently, as she won all her qualifying matches at Wimbledon in straight sets. Hibino, on the other hand, has had a mixed season, with a 20-19 win-loss record.
Momentum and confidence is definitely with Kalinskaya’s side, and in tennis, this usually decides who wins the match.
Prediction: Kalinskaya in 2
Sofia Kenin vs Jennifer Brady
Head-to-head: Kenin leads 1-0
Both players have had a good run in recent months. Brady reached the semifinals at Nottingham; meanwhile, Kenin won Mallorca last month. It could be a close match, but Kenin is the more consistent player out of the two and should get through this match if she can bring out her best game.
Prediction: Kenin in 2
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