There are 12 WTA Cincinnati matches taking place on Tuesday in Ohio. 2019 US Open champion Bianca Andreescu is the former Grand Slam champion in action. She faces the gritty and determined Elina Avanesyan during the night session on Centre Court. Her match is one of four predicted in this article. Which players do you expect to progress to the next round?
WTA Cincinnati Day 1 Predictions
Katie Boulter vs Magda Linette
Head-to-head: First meeting
Boulter possesses the greater firepower in this matchup. Linette’s game is based more on her athleticism, although she has improved her aggressiveness this season. The Pole will hope to redirect Boulter’s pace effectively in the lively Cincinnati conditions. However, I think the Briton has the edge here. The higher number of free points she will get on her serve and being able to dictate from the baseline is a combination that will be tough for Linette to overcome.
Prediction: Boulter in 2
Yulia Putintseva vs Harriet Dart
Head-to-head: Putintseva 3-0 Dart
The head-to-head does not make great reading for Dart, but the pair have not played since 2021. Dart is a better player now and can stay in the rallies for longer than her previous matches with Putintseva. That does not mean she is likely to win, though. Dart does not have enough power to hurry the Kazakhstani. Putintseva’s excellent athleticism and ability to disrupt Dart’s rhythm make her the favorite to progress in Cincinnati.
Prediction: Putintseva in 2
Elina Svitolina vs Wang Yafan
Head-to-head: Svitolina 1-1 Wang
Wang has already managed victories against Karolina Pliskova and 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin during the North American hardcourt season. However, both Pliskova and Kenin produced very poor performances by their standards. Wang’s game is based on consistency and waiting for her opponents to make mistakes. Unfortunately, that style is very unlikely to work against Svitolina. The Ukrainian will be comfortable dictating the rallies slowly and steadily throughout the match.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Bianca Andreescu vs Elina Avanesyan
Head-to-head: First meeting
Andreescu lost at her home event in Toronto last week despite winning the first set 6-0 against Lesia Tsurenko. However, this is an excellent opportunity to bounce back from that setback. Avanesyan is in the draw as a lucky loser after losing to Dart in the final qualifying stage. She also plays her best tennis by far on clay. Andreescu is inconsistent right now, but she should still have enough to overcome Avanesyan.
Prediction: Andreescu in 2
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke – USA TODAY Sports
