Day 2 of the WTA 250 Bogota tournament will conclude with ten more first-round matchups. Among the players making their return to the court is American lefty Robin Montgomery, who will be playing her first match since Wimbledon last June. Let’s preview these encounters and predict who will advance to the second round.
Varvara Lepchenko vs Lia Karatancheva
Head-to-head: Lepchenko leads 1-0
Varvara Lepchenko’s continued presence within the Top 200, especially as she approaches her 40th birthday, is truly remarkable. However, victories at the WTA level have become infrequent for the veteran, with her last win in Bogota dating back to 2019. Karatancheva, who previously lost to Lepchenko in their only career meeting at an ITF event two seasons ago, has successfully navigated the qualifying rounds, suggesting she is well-acclimated to the local conditions ahead of her main draw debut.
Prediction: Karatancheva in 3 sets
Francesca Jones vs Guiomar Maristany Zuleta De Reales
Head-to-head: First professional meeting
This match carries a compelling backstory for Francesca Jones. It was in Bogota three years ago that she made a memorable run to the semifinals, bringing wider attention to her rare genetic condition. Although Jones recently retired from her last tournament in Miami due to illness, she had a notable first-round victory over her idol, Venus Williams. Her opponent, Guiomar Maristany Zuleta De Reales, will likely aim to test Jones’s physical condition following her recent withdrawal. The Spanish player offers consistent physicality and comfort on clay, having already competed in six matches on this surface this season.
Prediction: Maristany Zuleta De Reales in 3 sets
Anna Blinkova vs Robin Montgomery
Head-to-head: First professional meeting
Anna Blinkova is currently experiencing a challenging period, with only two wins in her last ten matches, placing her precariously close to exiting the Top 100 for the first time since 2022. Conversely, Robin Montgomery’s 2023 season was cut short after Wimbledon due to surgery, limiting her to just 21 matches. Despite Blinkova’s recent struggles with form, this opening match should prove to be a relatively straightforward challenge against an opponent who will undoubtedly be focused on shaking off rust after a prolonged absence from competitive play.
Prediction: Blinkova in 2 sets