First-round action at WTA Toronto, the WTA National Bank Open in Toronto continues with 16 more matches on Day 2. Former finalist Sloane Stephens had to qualify for the main draw and now faces Argentina’s Solana Sierra. Who will advance?
WTA Toronto Day 2 Predictions
Janice Tjen vs Liudmila Samsonova
Head-to-head: Samsonova 2-0 Tjen
Samsonova began this swing with a quarterfinal run in Washington, D.C., earning one of her best win this season by beating Madison Keys. Tjen, for her part, fell in the last 16 at the same tournament. Samsonova has won both meetings between them convincingly. The Russian has always raised her level on North American hard courts. Provided there are no hiccups to Samsonova’s game, this should be a harmless opening match.
Prediction: Samsonova in 2
Panna Udvardy vs Eva Lys
Head-to-head: Udvardy 1-1 Lys
Both Udvardy and Lys are playing in Toronto for the first time. Lys will look to address her dismal 5-12 record this season. Udvardy has fared better, winning 21 matches and finishing runner-up at the WTA 250 event in Bogota. Hard courts don’t normally favor the Hungarian’s baseline-heavy game. Lys is the proactive player and if the German can take more risks as the aggressor, she might pull off a rare win.
Prediction: Lys in 2
Tereza Valentova vs Taylor Townsend
Head-to-head: first meeting
Valentova’s first full season at Tour level has been a huge success. The 19-year-old is guaranteed to feature at all four Grand Slam main draws. She’s lived up to the growing expectations placed on her. That said, I still think this is a dangerous first-round draw for the Czech. Townsend has a habit of making matches uncomfortable for rhythm-dependent players with her unconventional all-court game.
Prediction: Townsend in 3
Sloane Stephens vs Solana Sierra
Head-to-head: first meeting
Stephens rallied from a set down to beat Harriet Dart and qualify for the WTA Toronto main draw. The former finalist’s experience and effortless shotmaking were on full display as she dominated the final two sets of that match. Sierra has enjoyed a better 2026, racking up 20 wins and holding onto a Top 100 spot. That said, the Argentine’s last win was in the first round of Wimbledon. This is still a matchup where Stephens’ experience and shot tolerance can make a difference.
Prediction: Stephens in 3
Main Photo Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
