The women’s tennis action does not stop after the US Open. There is a great opening day scheduled at the WTA 500 event in Guadalajara. 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens’ first match is one of five on Day 1. As always, we at LWOT give our predictions and analysis for all the contests. But which players do you expect to win?
WTA Guadalajara Day 1 Predictions
Veronika Kudermetova vs Sachia Vickery
Head-to-head: First meeting
Kudermetova will hope that competing in the fast conditions in Guadalajara will revive what has been a poor season by her standards. The courts should suit her game, but the same can be said of Vickery, who likes having pace to redirect. It is impossible to back Kudermetova with any certainty after her difficult 2024. However, the 27-year-old’s superior serve might be the difference in this matchup.
Prediction: Kudermetova in 2
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Kamilla Rakhimova vs Aleksandra Krunic
Head-to-head: Rakhimova 3-2 Krunic
Rakhimova won the WTA 125 event in Zapopan, heading into the tournament in Guadalajara. That makes this a tough challenge for Krunic, who returned to the WTA Tour a few months ago after a long injury. The Serbian is a dangerous opponent with an excellent backhand at her best. But Rakhimova’s recent solid form and greater match fitness make her the favorite.
Prediction: Rakhimova in 2
Anhelina Kalinina vs Renata Zarazua
Head-to-head: First meeting
Home favorite Zarazua reached a career-high ranking of No. 92 a couple of weeks ago and defeated Caroline Garcia in the opening round of the US Open. Upsetting Kalinina will be tough, though. The Ukrainian usually plays her best tennis when she has time on her shots. Zarazua is a fighter, but she does not possess much firepower. Kalinina should be able to dictate the rallies throughout this match.
Prediction: Kalinina in 2
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Camila Osorio vs Hailey Baptiste
Head-to-head: Osorio 2-1 Baptiste
Osorio’s results this year have been more impressive than her opponent’s. The speedy conditions should help Baptiste’s chances, although their last meeting was in Guadalajara, and Osorio came back from a set down to prevail. Although the Colombian is more comfortable on slower courts, her game in all conditions has improved considerably, and she is the favorite to beat the American again.
Prediction: Osorio in 3
Sloane Stephens vs Olivia Gadecki
Head-to-head: Stephens 1-1 Gadecki
Sloane Stephens desperately needs a string of good results. She has only won three matches since the start of May, including a brutal defeat at the US Open to Clara Burel after holding a 6-0 4-1 lead. There will be many long rallies in this match since both women prefer constructing points rather than trying to hit winners from all positions on the court. That type of matchup should suit Stephens, whose season could peter out if she suffers another bad loss.
Prediction: Stephens in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
