Coco Gauff will hope for a more comfortable match in the Round of 32 at the WTA 1000 in Montreal. She defeated Danielle Collins to reach that stage despite hitting 23 double faults, a personal record. Three other contests are also in this article. The rest of the WTA Montreal matches are predicted in a separate piece featuring Mirra Andreeva vs McCartney Kessler. But who will advance?
WTA Montreal Day 5 Predictions
Jessica Bouzas Maneiro vs Aoi Ito
Head-to-head: First meeting
Ito’s best chance of beating almost any player is on a hard court. Bouzas Maneiro has made improvements outside of clay during the last 18 months, and her forehand can be dangerous on any surface. The Japanese star will try to back up her upset of Jasmine Paolini in the previous round. Although that win was impressive, Paolini performed well below her best. It could be a tight battle, but I think the solid Bouzas Maneiro can send Ito crashing back to earth.
Prediction: Bouzas Maneiro in 3
Victoria Mboko vs Marie Bouzkova
Head-to-head: First meeting
This promises to be a good test of Mboko’s development. Bouzkova regularly frustrates opponents with her emphasis on solid defense and ability to redirect pace. Mboko usually likes being the aggressor and having time on her shots. The 19-year-old is quite well-suited to this matchup, and the outcome might be decided by whether she can stay composed in front of home support with time on her shots. I think she can do it.
Prediction: Mboko in 2
Elena Rybakina vs Jaqueline Cristian
Head-to-head: Rybakina 1-1 Cristian
Cristian defeated Linda Noskova, whose playing style is not too dissimilar to Rybakina’s, in the previous round. That was an outstanding win for a player who usually struggles against powerful hitters. However, overcoming the 2022 Wimbledon Winner will likely be a step too far. Rybakina has additional pace, especially on serve, that makes this a challenging matchup for the Romanian.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Coco Gauff vs Veronika Kudermetova
Head-to-head: Gauff 2-1 Kudermetova
Kudermetova undoubtedly has a chance if Gauff performs like in the previous round. Collins missed an ideal opportunity to beat the world No. 2 when she was so far below par. Even if the French Open champion does not play perfectly again, I doubt she will be so poor again. Gauff’s superb return to counter Kudermetova’s powerful serve, a crucial part of her game, should make the American challenging to overcome in Montreal.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
