🇨🇳 Wang Yafan vs 🇺🇦 Yuliia Starodubtseva – WTA Montreal R1 Preview
🎾 Monday, July 28 · WTA 1000 Montreal · Outdoor Hard
🧠 Form & Context
Wang Yafan 🇨🇳
- 🔙 Comeback trail: Playing first tournament since January after injury break
- 👟 Limited recent reps: Just 2–2 on tour-level hard courts in 2025
- 📈 Career highlights: 2024 US Open fourth round & solid Toronto debut in 2023
- 📊 Ranking: Currently No. 145 (career-high No. 47)
Yuliia Starodubtseva 🇺🇦
- 🔄 Reliable season: Qualified in Washington with ease; lost R1 to Frech there
- 🏆 2025 breakout: Fourth round in Madrid, third round at Roland-Garros
- ⏳ Must defend: QF finishes in Monastir and Beijing still ahead in the points race
- 📊 Ranking: No. 73 (career-best No. 67 reached in June)
🔍 Match Breakdown
This one’s a contrast in sharpness and style. Wang has a more explosive game with penetrating groundstrokes, particularly her forehand. But her lack of match fitness could show quickly, especially against a rally-tough opponent like Starodubtseva.
The Ukrainian uses depth and topspin to extend exchanges and wait out errors. Her strong return game could exploit Wang’s likely inconsistency on serve. Expect her to dictate more of the rhythm despite Wang’s early efforts to go on the offensive.
🔮 Prediction
Wang’s ball-striking might keep it close early, but Starodubtseva’s recent match play, consistency, and rally depth should allow her to take over. A win here would solidify her growing presence on tour.
🧩 Pick: Yuliia Starodubtseva in 2 sets (e.g. 6–3, 6–4)
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