Canadian Open 2024 Day 2: Women's singles predictions ft. Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Marie Bouzkova
More first-round matches are set in store on Day 2 of the Canadian Open 2024. The first day witnessed quite a few upsets, with Sloane Stephens, Bianca Andreescu, and Sofia Kenin all being shown the door. Victoria Azarenka was the only Grand Slam champion to progress.
Former World No. 1 Karolina Pliskova edged past Nadia Podoroska 6-4, 7-6 (10), while Elina Svitolina cruised to a 6-0, 6-2 win over Shelby Rogers. Anna Kalinskaya, Marta Kostyuk, and Taylor Townsend were among the day's other winners.
More players will now aim to join them in the second round on Wednesday, August 7. On that note, here's a look at the predictions for some of the women's singles matches lined up on Day 2 of the Canadian Open:
#1 - Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Marie Bouzkova
Haddad Maia has had a rather average season so far, with a 19-19 record for the year. Her record on hardcourts stands at 8-9, with a semifinal finish at the Abu Dhabi Open being her best result on the surface.
Bouzkova reached her second final of the season, and first on hardcourts, at last week's Citi Open. She ousted World No. 3 Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals before losing to Paula Badosa in the summit clash.
Haddad Maia has a perfect 3-0 winning record against Bouzkova. However, all three of their matches went the distance, with the Brazilian staging a comeback from a set down in their last two encounters.
Bouzkova's recent form favors her but the rivalry leans towards Haddad Maia. The latter also reached the final of the Canadian Open two years ago. The Brazilian might make it through this clash, provided she puts her best foot forward.
Predicted winner: Beatriz Haddad Maia
#2 - Diana Shnaider vs Harriet Dart
Shnaider has won three titles this year, one on each surface. She also nabbed the silver medal in women's doubles with Mirra Andreeva at the Paris Olympics. The young Russian is also close to cracking the top 20 of the WTA rankings.
Dart fell in the qualifying rounds of the Canadian Open but snagged a place in the main draw as a lucky loser. She returned to the top 100 earlier this season after reaching her first WTA semifinal at the Transylvania Open. She also made the third round of Wimbledon for the second time.
Shnaider's record this year makes her the heavy favorite to make it through this clash. Dart has pulled off an upset from time to time this year but she could find it tough to do so against the Russian.
Predicted winner: Diana Shnaider
#3 - Elise Mertens vs Katie Volynets
Mertens' results in singles have taken a slight dip this year. She still has managed to notch up some good results, especially on hardcourts. She finished as the runner-up to Emma Navarro at the Hobart International at the start of the season and reached the fourth round of the Indian Wells Open.
Volynets rallied from a set down to beat Yuriko Miyazaki in the first round of the Canadian Open qualifiers. She then beat Stacey Fung in straight sets to book her place in the main draw.
Volynets started the season ranked out of the top 100 and has since made her way into the top 60. She has one top-10 win to her name this year and challenged other top players such as Jasmine Paolini, Aryna Sabalenka, and Barbora Krejcikova but came up short in the end.
Both players have lost their last two main draw matches. This contest could swing either way, though Volynets might just be able to sneak past Mertens since she already has a couple of wins here.
Predicted winner: Katie Volynets
#4 - Ashlyn Krueger vs Elisabetta Cocciaretto
Krueger staged a comeback in her first qualifying round match against Priscilla Hon to win in three sets. She cruised to a 6-1, 6-0 win against Chloe Zhao to qualify for the Canadian Open main draw.
Cocciaretto reached the fourth round of a Major for the first time at the French Open a couple of months ago. She's currently on a three-match losing streak on hardcourts.
Krueger is in the same boat and has lost her last four main draw matches on hardcourts, including at last week's Citi Open. With both players being in shaky form, either could come out on top in this encounter. Cocciaretto has a slightly better record on the surface compared to the American and thus could find a way to outfox her opponent.
Predicted winner: Elisabetta Cocciaretto