A few picks from the WTA Canadian Open in Montreal today, with some genuinely interesting matchups to get into. We've got our predictions ready, so let's see who's moving through.
WTA Canadian Open Predictions
Diana Shnaider vs Iga Swiatek
Head-to-head: Shnaider 0-1 Swiatek
Swiatek has been finding her form again after a rocky stretch earlier this season, and Shnaider, for all her power, hasn't shown she can consistently handle the very best on hard courts yet. Their only previous meeting went to Swiatek and there's nothing in Shnaider's recent results that suggests this one goes differently.
Shnaider can absolutely hurt you with her groundstrokes, and if she finds a rhythm early this could get tight. But Swiatek's ability to grind out the ugly points and not panic when things get complicated is just a level above what Shnaider can deal with right now. Three sets feels right.
Prediction: Swiatek in 3
Alexandra Eala vs Belinda Bencic
Head-to-head: First meeting
Bencic is back and playing some really clean tennis since returning from maternity leave, and Eala, despite a solid ranking, hasn't been tested by many players at this level yet. Hard to see this being competitive at all given Bencic's timing and variety make her awkward to play even when she's not at her absolute best, and I think that's the difference here.
Prediction: Bencic in 3
Leylah Annie Fernandez vs Naomi Osaka
Head-to-head: Fernandez 1-2 Osaka
Osaka leads their head-to-head 2-1 and has looked sharper on hard courts recently, which is obviously her best surface. Fernandez is a tough out at home in Canada and will have the crowd behind her and their matches have historically been close. That said, the predicted winner here is Kostyuk in 3, though it's worth noting Kostyuk does not appear to be one of the players in this match, so please check the match data on this one.
Prediction: Kostyuk in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Leonardo Ramirez/eyepix via ZUMA Press Wire