The second day of the WTA 250 Bogota tournament will feature ten additional first-round encounters. Among the athletes competing is American left-hander Robin Montgomery, who makes her return to the court for the first time since Wimbledon last June. Let’s delve into who is favored to advance to the second round.
WTA Bogota: Day 2 Match Previews
Varvara Lepchenko vs Lia Karatancheva
Head-to-head: Lepchenko leads 1-0.
Varvara Lepchenko’s enduring presence within the Top 200, especially as she nears her 40th birthday, is truly commendable. However, victories at the WTA tour level have been hard to come by for the veteran player; her last win in Bogota dates back to 2019. Lia Karatancheva, who lost to Lepchenko in their sole previous encounter at an ITF event two seasons ago, arrives fresh from the qualifying rounds. This means the Bulgarian should be well-acclimatized to the court conditions as she prepares for her main draw debut.
Prediction: Karatancheva in 3 sets
Francesca Jones vs Guiomar Maristany Zuleta De Reales
Head-to-head: First meeting.
This particular matchup carries significant background. Bogota was the stage for Francesca Jones’ memorable semifinal run three years ago, a performance that brought her rare genetic condition to the attention of many tennis enthusiasts. Although Jones withdrew from her most recent tournament in Miami due to illness, she had celebrated a notable victory over her idol, Venus Williams, in the first round. Guiomar Maristany Zuleta De Reales, from Spain, will likely aim to test Jones’ current fitness levels following the Brit’s recent retirement. Maristany possesses a more consistent physical game and a strong comfort level on clay, having already competed in six matches on the surface this season.
Prediction: Maristany Zuleta De Reales in 3 sets
Anna Blinkova vs Robin Montgomery
Head-to-head: First meeting.
Anna Blinkova enters this match with a difficult record, having secured only two wins in her last ten appearances. She finds herself precariously close to dropping out of the Top 100, a position she hasn’t been in since 2022. Robin Montgomery, on the other hand, played 21 matches last season before ending her season after Wimbledon for surgery. Despite Blinkova’s recent struggles, this first-round encounter should present a relatively straightforward challenge against an opponent who will undoubtedly be focused on shedding match rust after her extended hiatus.
Prediction: Blinkova in 2 sets
