🎾 Anastasia Potapova 🇷🇺 vs Antonia Ružić 🇭🇷 – WTA Toronto R1 Preview
📅 Monday, July 28 · WTA 1000 Toronto · Outdoor Hard
🧠 Form & Context
Anastasia Potapova (WTA 44)
- 🌱 Resurgent spring form: Claimed the title in Cluj and maintained a top-50 presence before turf season struggles.
- 🤕 Injury concerns: Withdrew from Berlin and Wimbledon, then lost in Washington to Mboko — fitness remains a wildcard.
- 💪 Hard-court experience: 5–6 record in 2025, including solid showings at Cluj and WTA 1000 events.
Antonia Ružić (WTA 94)
- 🚀 Breakout year: Rocketed from outside top 150 to WTA top 100 with two W75 hard-court titles and a 125K semifinal run.
- 🔄 Hard-court transition: Just 1–2 in main-draw WTA-level hard events; most of her wins came at the ITF level.
- 🎾 Rising confidence: Talented but relatively untested at this tier — could surprise if Potapova isn’t sharp.
🔍 Match Dynamics
Power vs. Consistency: Potapova’s explosive forehand and creative shot variety could force errors from the Croatian, who will rely on steadier rallies and rhythm-building patterns.
Fitness Factor: Potapova’s recent physical issues might affect her recovery between sets. Ružić comes in physically fresher but with less experience in long WTA-level matches.
Serving Nerves: The player who manages their serve under pressure will dictate early momentum. Potapova’s superior placement and second-serve returns offer an edge.
🔮 Prediction
Ružić could start strong if Potapova is rusty, but over time the Russian’s higher pace and tactical awareness should take over—assuming fitness holds. A competitive three-setter is likely.
🧩 Pick: Anastasia Potapova def. Antonia Ružić 4–6, 6–3, 6–4
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