🇺🇸 Elizabeth Mandlik vs 🇮🇹 Lucia Bronzetti

🇺🇸 Elizabeth Mandlik vs 🇮🇹 Lucia Bronzetti – WTA Montreal R1 Preview

🎾 Monday, July 28 · WTA 1000 Montreal · Outdoor Hard

🧠 Form & Context

Elizabeth Mandlik 🇺🇸

• 🎯 Wildcard entry & debut: First main-draw appearance in Montreal; hasn’t won a WTA main-draw match since 2024
• 🔄 In rebuilding mode: Dropped from No. 97 to No. 205 in the rankings, but has reached five semifinals at ITF/125K level in 2025
• ⚡ Hard-court form: 3–3 in 2025 with most wins at lower-tier events; needs to convert ITF-level confidence into tour-level success

Lucia Bronzetti 🇮🇹

• 🌍 Versatile across surfaces: QF at 125K Bastad (clay) and R-up at Hopman Cup (hard) in recent weeks
• 📉 Inconsistent 2025: No back-to-back main-draw WTA wins since March; dropped from a career-high No. 46 to No. 66
• 🤺 Experience advantage: Leads head-to-head 1–0 (6–2, 6–0 win in 2019 ITF Monastir); better WTA pedigree under pressure

🔍 Match Breakdown

Serve & Return: Bronzetti’s flatter, heavier serve will challenge Mandlik’s return game. If Mandlik can’t neutralize early, the Italian will hold easily.

Baseline Exchanges: Mandlik’s forehand is a weapon, but Bronzetti’s court sense and ability to mix pace and angles will expose any over-eagerness in rallies.

Composure: This may come down to key break points. Mandlik may feel the nerves of a home wildcard debut, while Bronzetti brings steadier decision-making in tight spots.

🔮 Prediction

Bronzetti should manage this match with calm efficiency, absorbing Mandlik’s firepower and picking off breaks early. Her previous win and greater WTA exposure tip the scale.

🧩 Pick: Lucia Bronzetti def. Elizabeth Mandlik 6–4, 6–3

🎾 Charleston WTA: Veronika Kudermetova vs Maria Mateas

🎾 Charleston WTA: Veronika Kudermetova vs Maria Mateas

🧠 Form & Context

🟨 Veronika Kudermetova

• 📉 Recent slump: Has not made it past the 2nd round in her last five tournaments.
• 📈 Decent start to 2025: Reached QF in Hobart and 4R at the Australian Open.
• 👻 Haunted by 2024: Failed to win multiple matches in 22 of 25 events last season.
• 🏆 Charleston champion (2021): Has suffered R1 exits twice but lifted the title three years ago.

🟥 Maria Mateas

• 🎟️ Wildcard entry: Fourth WTA main draw appearance, still seeking her first win.
• 📉 Tour struggles: Lost in straight sets in all three previous WTA main draw appearances.
• 🏆 ITF success: Reached three ITF finals in late 2023; four QFs in 2025 so far.
• ⚠️ Fitness concern: Arrives in Charleston following two consecutive retirements.

🔍 Match Breakdown

Kudermetova may not be at her peak, but she brings far more experience, shot tolerance, and firepower into this matchup. Mateas, a wildcard with limited WTA exposure and recent injury concerns, will be hard-pressed to keep up if Kudermetova finds rhythm early.

The Russian’s inconsistency opens the door slightly, but Mateas has yet to prove she can handle top-100 competition—let alone a former Top 10 player with a title at this venue.

🔮 Prediction

Pick: Kudermetova in straight sets

Unless Kudermetova completely unravels, she should take control early and move safely through this round. Mateas will need a major step up in level and fitness to challenge here.