Two tasty matchups from Cincinnati today, and honestly both of them could go either way. We've got our picks for you, but I wouldn't be too confident holding either ticket.
WTA Cincinnati Open Predictions
Jessica Pegula vs Iga Swiatek
Head-to-head: Pegula 5-7 Swiatek
The H2H looks close on paper but Swiatek has done most of the damage in the big moments and Pegula's five wins are spread across a lot of smaller occasions. That said, Pegula has genuinely been one of the toughest opponents Swiatek faces on hard courts, and she won their most recent meeting in Doha earlier this year, which gives her some real confidence going in. Swiatek hasn't been as dominant in 2024 as she was in previous years, but she still finds a way to raise her level when it matters.
I think the third set is where Swiatek's experience takes over. Pegula can absolutely take a set here and probably will, but closing out Swiatek over three is a different ask entirely.
Prediction: Swiatek in 3
Cori Gauff vs Marta Kostyuk
Head-to-head: Gauff 3-2 Kostyuk
Kostyuk has been playing some of her best tennis lately and she's the kind of aggressive, flat ball-striker who can disrupt Gauff's rhythm before she gets settled. The two wins Kostyuk already has in this H2H, a record that does make this feel less one-sided than the ranking gap suggests, show she's figured out ways to beat Gauff before, and this feels like a genuinely dangerous match for the American.
That said, Gauff on hard courts at home is a tough assignment for anyone, and she's become so good at not panicking when matches get tight. Kostyuk will make it uncomfortable, but Gauff should still find a way to get through here.
Prediction: Gauff in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Scott Stuart/ZUMA Press Wire