Six WTA Washington matches are scheduled for Day 1. Despite four players withdrawing from the event, there are several outstanding matchups for fans to enjoy. This article predicts three of the Day 1 contests, including 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens‘ opening match. We at LWOT predict the other three matches in a separate article, including Emma Raducanu vs Elise Mertens. But which players do you think will win in Washington?
WTA Washington Day 1 Predictions
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova vs Ashlyn Krueger
Head-to-head: First meeting
There will be plenty of powerful hitting in this match between two very aggressive players. The fast conditions in Washington assist that style of tennis. Overall, I trust Pavlyuchenkova to implement her game slightly more consistently. Since her surprise run to the title at the Japan Women’s Open last year, Krueger has struggled to put wins together. That makes overcoming the 2021 French Open runner-up a difficult task.
Prediction: Pavlyuchenkova in 3
Shelby Rogers vs Robin Montgomery
Head-to-head: First meeting
This is set to be Rogers’ first WTA match in over two months. The 31-year-old returned from a long injury this year, but her appearances have only been fleeting due to physical concerns. Although Montgomery has not taken the women’s game by storm this year, her level is getting better. The 19-year-old will undoubtedly keep improving, and her powerful serve makes her a dangerous opponent on the quick courts in Washington. I think the younger American has the edge on Rogers.
Prediction: Montgomery in 2
Sloane Stephens vs Amanda Anisimova
Head-to-head: Anisimova 1-0 Stephens
Both these women could use a good run. Since winning the title in Rouen and getting to the third round in Madrid in April, Stephens has only won two matches. Anisimova started her year by reaching the fourth round at the Australian Open, but a combination of a loss of form and some injuries have plagued her since. The 22-year-old is still an incredible ball-striker at her best, as he proved by beating Paula Badosa in Melbourne and taking Jessica Pegula to a deciding set tiebreak at the Charleston Open. However, she has lost some matches this year against players who put balls into the court and get her to commit unforced errors. Consistency and athleticism are the basis of Stephens’ game, and I think it will be enough to take her to victory here.
Prediction: Stephens in 2
Main Photo Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
