Canadian Open 2024: Victoria Azarenka vs Greet Minnen preview, head-to-head, prediction and pick
Match details
Fixture: (12) Victoria Azarenka vs Greet Minnen
Date: August 8, 2024
Tournament: Canadian Open 2024
Round: Second round (Round of 32)
Venue: Toronto, Canada
Category: WTA 1000
Surface: Hard
Prize money: $2,788,468
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | Canada - Sportsnet, TVA Sports | UK - Amazon Prime Video | India - Sony Liv
Victoria Azarenka vs Greet Minnen preview
Twelfth seed Victoria Azarenka will take on Greet Minnen in the second round of the Canadian Open.
Azarenka is a fierce competitor on the women's tour. She's amassed 27 wins from 39 matches this season, including semifinal runs in Brisbane, Miami and Berlin. She also reached the quarterfinals in Doha, Charleston, Rome and Washington, where she lost to Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets.
The Belarusian started her campaign in Toronto by cruising past Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. She outfoxed the Russian in one hour and 16 minutes, 6-2, 6-2. Azarenka has chalked up six wins from her last eight matches on tour.
Meanwhile, Greet Minnen, has played most of her tennis on the ITF circuit this season. She entered the main draw of the Madrid Open and Eastbourne International via the qualifiers, but couldn't navigate past the first round. She also reached the second round of the Wimbledon Championships, but came up shy against Jasmine Paolini.
The Belgian entered the main draw in Toronto via the qualifiers and then outsmarted Sloane Stephens in the first round. She defeated the American in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2. Minnen will be determined to put up a flawless performance against Azarenka and continue her run in Toronto.
Victoria Azarenka vs Greet Minnen head-to-head
The head-to-head between Azarenka and Minnen is locked at 0-0.
Victoria Azarenka vs Greet Minnen odds
Odds will be updated when available.
Victoria Azarenka vs Greet Minnen prediction
Victoria Azarenka will complete two decades on the women's tour next year. The Belarusian hasn't shown any signs of stopping and has had a remarkable season so far. She is known for her formidable all-around game and high tactical awareness on court.
Minnen, on the contrary, is yet to make a significant impact on the main tour. She reached the third round of the Miami Open (via the lucky loser system) which has been her best result this year. The Belgian won 76% of her first serve points in the previous match and saved two crucial break points against Stephens.
Azarenka has a knack for exploiting her opponents weaknesses and will have the psychological advantage against Minnen. If the qualifier manages to withstand the early barrage and counter with a succesful strategy, she could cause problems for the Belarusian. Having said that, it is most likely that the 12th seed continues her run in Toronto.
Pick: Azarenka to win in three sets.