The drama has increased with each day of the WTA Montreal Masters. The fourth day should continue that trend, with an incredibly exciting line-up of matches to be played. The last two Grand Slam champions Iga Swiatek and Marketa Vondrousova are two of the players scheduled to take to the court. We also have a separate on LWOT with the other four round of 16 contests- this includes Elena Rybakina vs Sloane Stephens Who do you think will reach the quarterfinals?
WTA Montreal Day 4 Predictions
Danielle Collins vs Leylah Fernandez
Head-to-head: First meeting
It has been refreshing to watch these former Grand Slam finalists playing some good tennis. Fernandez has largely struggled since the 2021 US Open final, while Collins has had her difficulties since being runner-up at the 2022 Australian Open. It is a clash of styles between the big hitting Collins and the counter punching skills of the home favourite Fernandez. The Canadian has played well in the first two rounds. But it is impossible not to back Collins. Her performances against Elina Svitolina and Maria Sakkari were incredible, losing just ten games in four sets. Fernandez is capable of soaking up pressure with her style, but she will be left helpless if the American hits as devastatingly as she has been.
Prediction: Collins in 2
Jessica Pegula vs Jasmine Paolini
Head-to-head: Pegula 4-0 Paolini
Paolini reached the third round after Madison Keys withdrew from injury. The recent Palermo finalist is a solid and gritty competitor, but has never been past the third round of a Masters 1000 event. It will require an incredible effort against Pegula. The fourth seed’s level is probably the most consistent on the tour. That may be why she sometimes struggles to rise another gear in the latter stages of big tournaments. But her consistency makes her one of the least susceptible to surprise early round defeats. The Italian has also never won a set in their previous four meetings. Pegula to progress to the quarterfinals of the WTA Montreal masters in straight sets.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Coco Gauff vs Marketa Vondrousova
Head-to-head: Gauff 1-0 Vondrousova
Vondrouova deserves credit for her high level in the first two rounds. Although Wimbledon was a few weeks ago now, it is very common for a slump in performance to occur in the tournaments following a Grand Slam win. The Wimbledon champion has not let that happen. However, Gauff is likely to have an edge on a hard court. Partially due to the American’s excellent run, which saw her win in Washington last week and demolish Katie Boulter in her opening match in Montreal. But also due to the playing style matchup. Gauff has one of the best backhands in tennis to manage Vondrousova’s heavy topspin forehand, and is one of the best athletes to chase down the Czech’s signature dropshot.
On clay Vondrousova could at least try to overwhelm Gauff with spin, or exploit her weakness on grass. On hard courts though the 19-year-old is a clear favourite.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Iga Swiatek vs Karolina Muchova
Head-to-head: Swiatek 1-1 Muchova
This was the third round the vast majority of neutrals wanted when the draw was made. It is a repeat of June’s epic French Open final that Swiatek won in three sets. Muchova will be encouraged by two good performances in the first two rounds. Also Swiatek did look slightly rusty and not fully adjusted to the conditions against Karolina Pliskova, despite winning in straight sets.
Muchova has an adaptable game, and she will need to play differently to how she did on the clay in Paris. The drop shots and heavy topspin the Czech often uses are unlikely to be as effective on the Canadian hard courts against someone as quick as Swiatek. Muchova is playing doubles this week, and coming to the net regularly behind good groundstrokes could be an important tactic. Swiatek should on balance take it. But a tight match or even a Muchova win would not be an overwhelming surprise.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Main Photo Credit: Ray Acevedo – USA TODAY Sports
