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Action begins in the 4th edition of the WTA event in Merida with four matches on the slate for Day 1, including one between last year’s runner-up, Emiliana Arango, who will be searching for her maiden win of the season against Anastasia Potapova. Along with the three other matches, we offer our predictions on who will advance.

WTA Merida Day 1 Predictions

Dayana Yastremska vs Marina Stakusic

Head–to–Head: First Meeting

Marina Stakusic returns in Mérida after an abrupt first-round exit against Priscilla Hon at the Australian Open to end what had been a promising run.

She now faces Dayana Yastremska, whose season has lacked spark, with six losses in ten matches and only a third-round showing in Brisbane to her name. Her recent straight-sets defeat to Janice Tjen in Dubai underscored her inconsistency. Even with Stakusic just returning, her recent competitive level suggests this could be a far tighter opener than it suggests.
Prediction: Stakusic in 3

Emiliana Arango vs Anastasia Potapova

Head–to–Head: Arango 1 – 0 Potapova

Emiliana Arango steps into this matchup looking to secure her first win of the year and her first in six attempts. She will compete against Anastasia Potapova, a player known for her clean ball-striking and ability, but has been inconsistent this year, having won as much as she has lost. While the Russian rightly enters as the favourite, this is familiar hunting ground for Arango, having finished as last year’s runner-up, and the edge she has on the head-to-head can give her the confidence to grab a win to end her slide.
Prediction: Arango in 3

Yulia Putintseva vs Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva

Head–to–Head: Putintseva 1 – 0 Jimenez Kasintseva

Yulia Putintseva arrives here with a strong 8-4 form for the season, in contrast to her opponent, who had one just once in four matches but managed to rack up two qualifying wins against lesser-ranked opponents to land in the main draw.

Andorran lefty Jimenez Kasintseva has shown glimpses of what she is capable of, but this will be a higher ceiling for her. Give me the Russian to wrap up a comfortable win.
Prediction: Putintseva in 2

Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Katie Boulter

Head–to–Head:  Beatriz Haddad Maia 1 – 3 Katie Boulter

Katie Boulter returns to action brimming with confidence after her title run in Ostrava, her fourth on the WTA Tour, where the Brit edged Tamara Korpatsch in a gritty three-setter to mark a sharp turnaround after a frustrating 2025 season. The former British No.1 now carries real momentum into this swing, with her aggressive first-strike tennis clicking at just the right time.

Standing in her way is an out-of-sorts Beatriz Haddad Maia, who has managed just one win from six matches this year and entered Dubai as a lucky loser before a heavy defeat to Janice Tjen. With a 3–1 recent head-to-head edge and five straight wins under her belt, Katie Boulter will sense a prime opportunity to extend her streak and keep her resurgence firmly on track.
Prediction: Boulter in 2