Top stars headline all the action on Day 3 in Cincinnati, especially with Iga Swiatek and Danielle Collins in a rematch from their quarterfinal in Montreal. Additionally, Montreal champion Jessica Pegula looks to continue her solid form and cement her spot as the favorite at the US Open. LWOT predicts all 14 matches on Wednesday, with the rest of the matches divided between three articles. One features Venus Williams vs. Qinwen Zheng, the second highlights Elena Rybakina vs. Jelena Ostapenko, and the third features Coco Gauff vs. Mayar Sherif. Who do you think will improve?
WTA Cincinnati Day 3 Predictions
Jessica Pegula vs. Martina Trevisan
Head to head: Pegula 2-0
This is a great opening bout for Pegula, especially with the risk of continued fatigue from his Montreal title. Trevisan hits loopy lefty groundstrokes, shots that allow Pegula to set up and create angles while he’s always good. The Italian had a good qualifying and followed it up with a win over home favorite Bernarda Pera, but expect Pegula to win it easily. Pegula battled to a 6-3 2-6 6-3 win over Trevisan in Madrid, but that encounter came on Trevisan’s more desirable slower clay court.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Donna Vekic vs. Victoria Azarenka
Head to head: Vekic 2-1
It’s a bit surprising that Vekic leads the head-to-head, but Azarenka seems to struggle more against offensive players. Both stars picked up some confidence-boosting wins in the first round, with Azarenka notably beating Barbora Krejčíková 6-3 7-5. The Belarusian is a two-time champion here, and usually plays well in hot and humid environments. Look for Azarenka to flip the switch in this head-to-head; he must serve well.
Prediction: Azarenka in 3
Marketa Vondrousova vs. Anastasia Potapova
Head to head: Vondrousova 2-1
Potapova won this match 6-1 6-7 (4) 6-3 at Linz 2023, a match that highlighted Vondrousova’s struggles after an injury in 2022. win. Compared to other first-time Grand Slam champions, she has been solid in supporting results, and was certainly close to her best in her win over Katerina Siniakova. Potapova didn’t look good in her win over Celine Naef, hitting too many errors and allowing too many opportunities in the first set. I predict that Vondrousova will lose in Round 1, but her game is definitely strong enough to reach the later stages of this tournament.
Prediction: Vondrousova at 2
Iga Świątek vs. Danielle Collins
Head to head: Swiatek 3-1
A rematch from just a few days ago in Montreal, Swiatek battled Collins in a three-setter. The Pole was certainly not at his best, and his scratchy groundstrokes and subpar returns against Collins fueled his exit to Pegula in the semifinals. It’s always important to remember what a peaking Collins can do to Swiatek, as he easily won this matchup at the 2022 Australian Open. This tournament was also one of Swiatek’s worst of late; he holds a terrible 2-4 record in this event. That number will surely improve in the future, but it could be a sign that these courts are not suitable for his game. Expect another tough three-setter, but Swiatek should have some edge.
Prediction: Świątek on the 3rd
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports