Zhu vs Gracheva

🎾 Zhu vs Gracheva – WTA Montreal R1 Preview

🧠 Form & Context

Zhu Lin 🇨🇳
🔄 Injury comeback: Sat out Feb–Mar, then focused on ITF Japan; limited tour-level prep on hard.
📉 Ranking drop: From No.31 career high to No.489, reflecting her struggle to stay healthy and in form.
💥 H2H dominance: Leads Gracheva 2–0, both wins on hard (Doha 2024, Tampico 2022), dropping her opponent just five games combined.

Varvara Gracheva 🇫🇷
🎟️ Qualifier surge: Defeated Inglis 6–3, 6–2 to reach main draw; hungry for a first win in Canada.
⚖️ Inconsistent year: Fell out of top 100 after early-season struggles; found form with semifinals at 125K Paris and Eastbourne.
🎾 Hard-court modesty: Just 5–6 on hard in 2025; needs to raise level to reverse past H2H deficits.

🔍 Match Breakdown

Zhu’s prior victories over Gracheva were emphatic—she controlled rallies with deep backhands and precise angles, forcing errors. Her veteran savvy and flat strokes play well on fast surfaces. Gracheva must avoid repeating those mistakes: she needs to use variety—mixing slice and spin—to disrupt Zhu’s rhythm and prevent the Chinese lefty from dictating.

Fitness and confidence are key. Zhu’s health remains a question, but the head-to-head track record is on her side. Gracheva, meanwhile, has momentum from qualifiers but must prove she can sustain intensity beyond one-round battles.

🔮 Prediction

🧩 Prediction: Over 21.5 games
🎯 Value pick: Expect multiple breaks, streaky momentum swings, and a possible deciding set.