We've got three first-round picks from the Mubadala DC Open today, with temperatures sitting around 84°F in Washington and a chance of afternoon rain that could make things interesting. Who do you think gets through cleanly?
WTA Mubadala DC Open Predictions
Magdalena Frech vs Ann Li
Head-to-head: Frech 0-5 Li
Five wins, zero losses. That's a H2H record that doesn't leave much room for interpretation, and Li has built it across multiple surfaces, so it's not just a conditions thing. Frech has had a decent enough season but she's never found an answer for Li's game, and there's nothing in recent form to suggest that changes today.
That said, this should be closer than it looks on paper. Frech competes hard and won't hand it over, and Li has had some inconsistent stretches in 2025. Still, the H2H is too one-sided to bet against here.
Prediction: Li in 3
Daria Kasatkina vs Anna Kalinskaya
Head-to-head: Kasatkina 4-1 Kalinskaya
Kasatkina is ranked lower right now but that number is a bit misleading given how well she's handled Kalinskaya historically. Four wins from five meetings is a clear pattern, and Kasatkina's ability to vary pace and stay composed in long rallies tends to frustrate Kalinskaya, who needs the big shots to land cleanly to stay in control. On a hard court in summer heat, Kalinskaya's flat ball-striking can be a weapon, but when it's not clicking she can unravel quickly and Kasatkina is exactly the type of player who makes her wait for her shots.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 3
Liudmila Samsonova vs Madison Keys
Head-to-head: Samsonova 1-5 Keys
Keys is one of the most dangerous players on hard courts anywhere and Washington is essentially a home tournament for her at this point in her career. Samsonova hits the ball hard but she's 1-5 against Keys head-to-head and that one win feels like the outlier. Keys has been building form nicely after her Australian Open title run, earlier in the year in Melbourne, and on a quick hard court she's going to be tough for anyone to deal with, let alone someone she's beaten comfortably multiple times.
Samsonova can go on runs and she's dangerous on a good day, but I think Keys handles this one without too much trouble, all things considered.
Prediction: Keys in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © SIPA USA