45-year-old Venus Williams’s victory against Peyton Stearns in her first singles match in 16 months was incredible viewing. The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion will try to make it consecutive wins against Magdalena Frech at the WTA Citi Open in Washington, D.C. Jessica Pegula and Naomi Osaka are among the other players scheduled to feature on what should be a great day of action in the nation’s capital.
WTA Washington Day 4 Predictions
Naomi Osaka vs Emma Raducanu
Head-to-head: First meeting
Sofia Kenin vs Taylor Townsend
Head-to-head: Kenin 4-2 Townsend
Townsend won the only previous hard court meeting between these two. However, that was all the way back in 2017 and will have no bearing on the outcome of this contest. Townsend’s overall singles form this season has been poor, although she played well in three victories since qualifying in Washington. The steadier and more complete Kenin is the favorite and will win if she plays near her best and stays focused against Townsend’s unorthodox style.
Prediction: Kenin in 2
Both former US Open champions performed impressively in the opening round to win in straight sets. This has the makings of a thrilling battle. Osaka’s serve and forehand are superior to Raducanu’s, but the Briton’s backhand and return are better. It is a challenging match to call, but Raducanu is narrowly favored. When playing well, her style is suited to stifling and frustrating powerful opponents like Osaka.
Prediction: Raducanu in 3
Jessica Pegula vs Leylah Fernandez
Head-to-head: Pegula 2-0 Fernandez
Pegula’s victory in a deciding set tiebreak against Fernandez at the 2024 Cincinnati Open was among the most dramatic matches of last season. Fernandez caused the World No. 4 issues with her return and flat cross-court backhand in that encounter. Although the Canadian could cause problems again, Pegula’s status as one of the best hard court players in the world makes her a considerable favorite. Even if Fernandez played a perfect match, it still might not be enough against the US Open runner-up’s all-around solidity on her favorite surface.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Venus Williams vs Magdalena Frech
Head-to-head: First meeting
The challenge of a 45-year-old winning back-to-back singles matches should not be underestimated. However, this is not a bad draw for Williams to get in the Round of 16. Frech has not won two singles contests at the same tournament since the Australian Open in January. The Pole will try to get Williams moving to expose her movement in the rallies. But if the five-time Wimbledon winner’s technical level is similar to the match against Stearns, she has a great chance of delighting the Washington crowd again.
Prediction: Williams in 2
Main Photo Credit: Syndication: Desert Sun/USAToday Images
