The WTA 250 in Auckland now carries onto the fourth day, with the second half of the Round of 16 promising thrillers. Some of the top-ranked players face off and showcase their talent. Here are previews and predictions for the anticipated matches happening on Thursday (2nd January 2025).

WTA Auckland Day 4 Predictions

Alycia Parks vs Greet Minnen

Head-to-Head: First meeting
Alycia Parks, currently ranked No. 78, has had a challenging 2024 season with a 12-24 win-loss record. Despite her struggles, she secured titles at three WTA 125K tournaments: Gaiba in Italy, Warsaw in Poland, and Angers in France. Parks also reached the final at the WTA 125K event in Midland, U.S.A., and made it to the semifinals of the W75 tournament in Trnava, Slovakia. In her most recent match, she showcased her resilience by defeating Amanda Anisimova in the round of 32 with a scoreline of 2-6 6-2 6-3.

On the other hand, Greet Minnen is ranked No. 28 and compiled a 26-32 record in the 2024 season. Although she did not claim a title in 2024, she reached the semifinals of the WTA 125K event in Charleston, U.S.A. She made quarterfinal appearances at the ITF Great Britain 07A, S-Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands, and the Birmingham Classic in the U.K. Minnen displayed dominance in her Round of 32 match in Auckland, defeating Anna-Lena Friedsam in straight sets, 6-4 6-0.
Prediction: Parks in 3

Hailey Baptiste vs Jodie Anna Burrage

Head-to-Head: First meeting

Hailey Baptiste, ranked World No. 92, enjoyed a strong 2024 season with an impressive 43-27 win-loss record. Her consistent performances have seen her reach the finals of ITF Mexico 02A and make semifinal appearances at ITF USA 04A, ITF USA 05A, and the Puerto Vallarta Open. In her most recent match, she delivered a dominant performance against Renata Jamrichova in the Round of 32, winning convincingly, 6-0 6-2. Baptiste’s aggressive baseline game and solid court coverage were key assets throughout her season.

On the other hand, Jodie Anna Burrage, ranked No. 179, had a more modest 2024 season with a 25-23 record. Despite the inconsistencies, she secured a title at ITF United Arab Emirates 01A and reached the final of W75 Trnava 008. Additionally, she made semifinal runs at W25 Loughborough 18A, ITF France 20A, and ITF Portugal 16A. Burrage fought hard through the qualifiers, defeating Mariam Bolkvadze in a three-set battle (2-6 7-6 6-3) and then breezing past Victoria Jiménez Kasintseva (6-1 6-2). She maintained her form in her round of 32 matches, beating Vivian Yang 6-3 6-3.
Prediction: Baptiste in 3

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Nao Hibino vs Robin Montgomery

Head-to-Head: First meeting

Nao Hibino, ranked No. 119, had a moderate season with a 20-24 win-loss record in 2024. Last season, she reached the quarterfinals at the Canberra International, WTA 125K Makarska in Croatia, and the Hong Kong 125 Open. Her recent performances in the qualifying rounds have been impressive, defeating Elyse Tse and Sachia Vickery in identical straight-set scorelines of 6-4 6-2. In the Round of 32, Hibino continued her solid form, overcoming Jule Niemeier 6-3 6-4. Known for her consistency from the baseline and her tactical approach to matches, Hibino remains a composed and experienced competitor on the court.

Robin Montgomery, ranked No. 117, carries a similar season 2024 record of 19-22. She reached the semifinals of ITF USA 07A. She also made quarterfinal appearances at ITF USA 05A, the Puerto Vallarta Open, S-Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands, WTA 125K Gaiba in Italy, and the Citi Open. In her most recent Round of 32 match, Montgomery displayed grit and determination to defeat Mai Hontama in three sets, 6-3 2-6 6-0.
Prediction: Montgomery in 2

Madison Keys vs Jaqueline Cristian

Head-to-Head: Keys 1-1 Cristian

Madison Keys, currently ranked No. 21, enjoyed a strong 2024 season with a solid 24-12 win-loss record. She claimed the Internationaux de Strasbourg title earlier in the year and consistently performed by reaching the Madrid Open and Eastbourne International semifinals. Additionally, Keys made it to the quarterfinals of the Italian Open, showcasing her ability to perform well on clay and grass surfaces. In her most recent match, she secured a straightforward victory over Lucia Bronzetti in the Round of 32 with a score of 6-4 6-4. Known for her powerful serve and aggressive baseline game, Keys thrives when she can dictate play and control the tempo of her matches.

On the other hand, Jaqueline Cristian, ranked No. 85, had a more challenging season, reflected in her 28-31 win-loss record. Despite her struggles, Cristian had notable quarterfinal appearances at the Charleston Open, Palermo Ladies Open, and the Iași Open in 2024. While she hasn’t secured a title this season, Cristian has displayed flashes of her potential, particularly on clay courts, where her defensive skills and ability to construct points have been most effective.
Prediction: Keys in 2

Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports