WTA Toronto Day 5 Predictions Including Swiatek vs Golubic

Day 5 at the National Bank Open in Toronto sees the top half of the draw competing in their Round of 32 matches, with the first two rounds of action now concluded. As the pressure rises each day, so does the quality of the matches, with six-time Major champion Iga Swiatek among those playing on Day 5. As always, we here at LWOT will be predicting each match for you, but who do you think will win?

WTA Toronto Day 5 Predictions

Talia Gibson vs Ekaterina Alexandrova

Head-to-head: Gibson 1-0 Alexandrova

Both these players are known for their aggressive baseline play and flat groundstrokes, with Gibson’s backhand being key and Alexandrova’s first serve playing a big part in her game. In their only meeting earlier this year, Gibson won in straight sets with a really clutch showing by the Australian. I expect this match to be determined by which player takes the initiative from the back of the court first and dictates the tempo. Taking risks will be key, but neither player will want to overcommit and commit a bunch of unforced errors. I think this match goes to a third set, where once again, Gibson is just a bit too solid and comes through to reach the next round.

Prediction: Gibson in 3

Jessica Pegula vs Kamila Rakhimova

Head-to-head: First meeting

After coming through a three-set match in her first outing in Toronto this year, Jessica Pegula will now face Kamila Rakhimova in the Round of 32. Both players do their best tennis from the back of the court, with Pegula arguably one of the best counterpunchers in the game and Rakhimova known for her heavy topspin groundstrokes. In a baseline-to-baseline battle, Pegula is one of the best in the world, but a key factor will be how she holds up physically after what has been a fairly intense stretch of tennis, having made the final in Washington as well. If fatigue plays a part, Rakhimova can make this tough, but ultimately, Pegula’s ball quality is too good for me to pick the upset. I expect a fairly straightforward win for the American.

Prediction: Pegula in 2

Anna Kalinskaya vs Diana Shnaider

Head-to-head: Kalinskaya 1-0 Shnaider

Anna Kalinskaya came through a tough three-set match in her first outing in Toronto this year, where her serve was particularly under the microscope as she committed a dozen double faults. Now against a very capable player in Diana Shnaider, Kalinskaya will have to have a great serving day to make this match competitive. Both players rely on their aggressive groundstrokes, but Kalinskaya is the more fluid baseliner, while Shnaider can mix up her groundstroke spins and use her lefty angles. This is a match where I expect both players to have stretches of good tennis. Ultimately, in a match that I expect to be closely contested, I think Shnaider is currently the more confident player and will play her better tennis at the bigger moments to get through to the next round.

Prediction: Shnaider in 3

Iga Swiatek vs Viktorija Golubic

Head-to-head: Swiatek 2-1 Golubic

Viktorija Golubic has had some success against Iga Swiatek in the past, beating her once and also taking her to a third set in another encounter. However, both of those results came a long time ago. Golubic is a player who relies on getting the better of her opponents tactically from the baseline, but against Swiatek, that really works in the Pole’s favour, as she is one of the best baseliners in the world. Swiatek looked confident in her opening-round match, and if she maintains a similar level, she should win this match in straight sets as well.

Prediction: Swiatek in 2

Main Image Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images