Alexandra Eala’s most recent match was a three-set loss to Barbora Krejcikova at Wimbledon. Now she faces another Czech Grand Slam champion in Marketa Vondrousova in the first round of the WTA 1000 in Montreal. It will be a fascinating clash of two left-handers who have the ability to mess up the opponent with their spins and angles. This match will be one of the highlights of Sunday’s schedule in Montreal; who do you think will come out on top?
WTA Montreal Day 1 Predictions
Hailey Baptiste vs Whitney Osuigwe
Head-to-head: Baptiste 1-0
Hailey Baptiste has just hit the Top 50, and when they played in Indian Wells this year, she gave Whitney Osuigwe just three games. There’s not much of a reason to think that this encounter between them will be that different. Baptiste has done really well since with runs at Roland Garros and Wimbledon and an opening-round exit to Sofia Kenin at Washington last week is nothing to be embarrassed by. Osuigwe has never really found a way to translate her junior results onto the WTA Tour.
Prediction: Baptiste in 2
Rebecca Marino vs Elsa Jacquemot
Head-to-head: First meeting
Rebecca Marino made a big splash in Montreal only once, defeating Paula Badosa and Madison Keys four years ago. The 34-year-old has only produced one highlight this year so far with the final in Ilkley, and her form is starting to trend downwards with every season. But maybe playing at home can provide her a boost of motivation here. The big-hitter shouldn’t be afraid of Elsa Jacquemot’s ball and might be able to earn an important win on the big stage.
Prediction: Marino in 3
Marketa Vondrousova vs Alexandra Eala
Head-to-head: First meeting
It’s the first tournament since the grass swing for both players and they did extremely well at one warm-up each (Marketa Vondrousova won Berlin, Alexandra Eala had championship points in Eastbourne) before not quite delivering at Wimbledon. The Czech’s quality is still undeniable when she’s healthy and she will be the favorite in this one. Her tennis IQ is really high, which tends to be the key against Eala’s tricky style.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
