Day 1 of the WTA 1000 in Montreal is jam-packed as the preparations for the 2025 US Open continue. American Danielle Collins is chasing her first win this swing after a disappointing start in Washington. Who do you think will progress?
WTA Montreal Day 1 Predictions
Varvara Gracheva vs Lin Zhu
Head-to-head: Lin 2-0 Gracheva
Zhu Lin missed the second half of last season and later revealed that she had an accumulation of injuries. The Chinese player chose to play in ITF tournaments in early 2025 and is now using her special ranking status to play in Tour-level main draws. This will be her third WTA tournament since her return and she has a 1-2 record. If Zhu is to add to her tally, this would be her most suitable matchup. She has beaten Gracheva quite heavily in each of their two previous meetings.
Prediction: Lin in 3
Suzan Lamens vs Polina Kudermetova
Head-to-head: Lamens 1-0 Kudermetova
The next couple of months could be a defining stretch in Lamens’ career. She doesn’t defend a lot of points, and the Dutchwoman’s hunger for success could fast-track her rise into the Top 50. Polina Kudermetova is slightly younger and less experienced. She is having a mixed season. After that sensational run to the Brisbane final in January, she won just three more main draw matches. Her qualifying exit in Washington was her eighth defeat in a row. For a player struggling for consistency, this slump has brushed off all the confidence she had at the start of the season.
Prediction: Lamens in 2
Danielle Collins vs Viktoriya Tomova
Head-to-head: Collins 2-0 Tomova
Collins is only 5-5 on hard courts at the start of this swing. That is a poor return for a player of her caliber. Her form has been uneven. She has played better tennis on clay this season, winning seven of her 11 matches. Tomova won her qualifying match against Katherine Sebov, but that was only her third win at all levels on this surface. The Bulgarian thrives on slower surfaces where her willingness to grind and scramble can frustrate opponents. Collins’ proven track record on hard courts means she’ll always start as the favorite in this matchup.
Prediction: Collins in 2
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
