The first round at WTA Montreal brings some interesting matchups, and players are arriving with very different momentum. A few are looking to rediscover their rhythm, others want to build on their confidence, and some might need to overcome early nerves to settle in. As always, we here at LWOS bring you predictions for all the matches on the slate, but who do you back to progress?<\/p>\n
Head-to-Head:<\/strong> first meeting<\/p>\n Putintseva is currently sitting on a four\u2011match losing streak, which featured an emotionally heavy 6\u20110,\u202f6\u20110 loss at Wimbledon, and earlier defeats at Bad Homburg, Nottingham, and has been capped by a first-round exit in Washington. Hanyu Guo has built some good form at the ITF level, though her top\u2011flight experience remains limited. They haven\u2019t played before, so the match may hinge on who can steady early nerves. Guo\u2019s baseline consistency could make it awkward, but Putintseva\u2019s experience might still help her find her rhythm if she can shake off recent struggles.<\/p>\n Prediction: Putinsteva in 3<\/em><\/p>\n Head-to-Head:<\/strong> first meeting<\/p>\n Bouchard is in front of a home crowd, seeking to recapture momentum after sporadic results this season. Arango hasn\u2019t fared much better in recent weeks, struggling to put together wins during the hardcourt swing. This will be their first meeting, and both players are trying to play their way into form. The home support could give Bouchard a lift, but she\u2019ll need to find consistency early to keep Arango from settling into her baseline rhythm.<\/p>\n Prediction: Bouchard in 3<\/em><\/p>\nEugenie Bouchard vs Emiliana Arango<\/h4>\n