There are many exciting WTA Toronto matches scheduled for Day 1, including a battle between former Grand Slam finalists Victoria Azarenka and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. We at LWOT predict all the action here and in two separate articles, including Elina Svitolina vs Shelby Rogers and Sloane Stephens vs Greet Minnen. But which players do you think will progress to the next Round?
WTA Toronto Day 1 Predictions
Marta Kostyuk vs Tatjana Maria
Head-to-head: First meeting
The last few months have been difficult for former Wimbledon semifinalist Maria. The 36-year-old won most of her first-round matches earlier in the season before being beaten in the next match. Unfortunately, the German is losing consistently at the first hurdle at the moment, including a shocking 0-6 0-6 loss to Maria Lourdes Carle at the Olympics. By contrast, Kostyuk is enjoying a breakout year. The Ukrainian is an emotive player and Maria’s unique style could frustrate Kostyuk at its best. However, that seems unlikely right now.
Prediction: Kostyuk in 2
Victoria Azarenka vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
Head-to-head: Azarenka 6-2 Pavlyuchenkova
Both women competed in the Citi DC Open last week. Azarenka lost to the two-time Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka in the quarterfinal, while Pavlyuchenkova fell in the Round of 16 against Amanda Anisimova. Although Azarenka is not in her prime anymore, this is a good matchup for her. The Belarusian thrives most against players who give her pace, which she can redirect to extract errors. Pavlyuchenkova is powerful but also erratic during her matches.
Prediction: Azarenka in 2
Bianca Andreescu vs Lesia Tsurenko
Head-to-head: Tsurenko 3-0 Andreescu
The head-to-head record between these two is slightly misleading. Andreescu retired in two of the matches, and she was in a tough run of form before her injury in 2023 in her other loss to Tsurenko. At her best, Andreescu possesses a gritty style to disrupt the Ukrainian’s attempts to hit flat and hard through the court. Tsurenko is also half a step slower than in the past at the age of 35, which could harm her in this matchup. It may be tight, but I will back Andreescu’s defensive skills to win on home soil.
Prediction: Andreescu in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
