Emma Raducanu is seeded No. 6 at the WTA 250 in Auckland this year, but she’s always one of the most-discussed names in any draw. She was able to play 36 matches in 2024 which might not seem like much, but it was one of her busiest seasons to date. Can the 2021 US Open champion make a proper comeback to the elite of the sport? She starts her campaign against Robin Montgomery. Who do you think will prevail?

WTA Auckland Day 2 Predictions

Yulia Starodubtseva vs Jaqueline Cristian

Head-to-head: First meeting

Both players will kick off their season here and it makes predicting this matchup a lot tougher. Yulia Starodubtseva had that brilliant run to the quarterfinals in Beijing, but the rest of her Asian Swing wasn’t quite as productive. Jaqueline Cristian might still possess a higher peak ability than the Ukrainian and it’s all about whether she’ll be able to show it on the day. It seems likely that she might be the braver player in the key moments of this encounter.
Prediction: Cristian in 3

Hailey Baptiste vs Renata Jamrichova

Head-to-head: First meeting

Renata Jamrichova has already played a lot of pro tennis despite being just 17, but this will likely be the season where she transitions permanently after winning the Australian Open and Wimbledon junior events last year. She’s such an exciting prospect with plenty of lefty firepower, which she already used to produce a Top 100 win over two years ago. The Slovak can get another one here, seems like she should be dictating the proceedings a bit more than Hailey Baptiste.
Prediction: Jamrichova in 3

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Vivian Yang vs Elise Mertens

Head-to-head: First meeting

Vivian Yang plays college tennis for Pepperdine and gets her opportunity in Auckland again after losing in the qualifying for the 2023 edition to Sara Errani. The Kiwi will have the advantage in terms of match rhythm here, having just recently reached the quarterfinals at an ITF event in Tauranga. But despite Yang likely being severely under-ranked, she hasn’t shown any signs she can hang with someone of Elise Mertens’ class yet.
Prediction: Mertens in 2

Emma Raducanu vs Robin Montgomery

Head-to-head: First meeting

Emma Raducanu has some buzz about her again after rebuilding her form slowly in the 2024 season and being such a massive asset to the British team at the Billie Jean King Cup finals. It’s tough to say how high she can go this year, but Robin Montgomery seems like a decent opponent to start the campaign. If Raducanu can handle this challenge without issues, it will be a very positive sign going forward. The Brit was playing quite well in Auckland last year before gassing out against Elina Svitolina.
Prediction: Raducanu in 2

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