WTA Auckland Day 4 predictions including Keys vs Cristian

The WTA 250 in Auckland is now entering its fourth day, with the second half of the round of 16 promising excitement. Some of the best players compete against each other and show off their talent. Here are previews and predictions for the expected games taking place on Thursday (January 2, 2025).

WTA Auckland Day 4 Predictions

Alycia Parks vs. Greet Minnen

Head-to-head: First meeting
Alycia Parks, currently ranked 78th, had a challenging 2024 season with a 12-24 win-loss record. Despite her difficulties, she secured titles at three WTA 125km tournaments: Gaiba in Italy, Warsaw in Poland and Angers in France. Parks also reached the final at the WTA 125 km event in Midland, USA, and reached the semi-finals of the W75 tournament in Trnava, Slovakia. In her last match, she showed her resilience by defeating Amanda Anisimova in the round of 32 with a score of 2-6, 6-2, 6-3.

On the other hand, Greet Minnen is ranked 28th and posted a record of 26-32 in the 2024 season. Although she did not win a title in 2024, she reached the semi-finals of the WTA 125km event in Charleston, USA. She appeared in the quarterfinals at the ITF Great Britain 07A, S-Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands and the Birmingham Classic in the United Kingdom. Dominance in her Round of 32 match in Auckland when she defeated Anna-Lena Friedsam in straight sets 6-4 and defeated 6-0.
Prediction: Parks in 3

Hailey Baptiste vs. Jodie Anna Burrage

Head-to-head: First meeting

Hailey Baptiste, ranked No. 92 in the world, had a strong 2024 season with an impressive win-loss record of 43-27. Her consistent performances saw her reach the final of ITF Mexico 02A and reach the semifinals of ITF USA 04A, ITF USA 05A and the Puerto Vallarta Open. In her last game, she delivered a dominant performance against Renata Jamrichova in the round of 32, winning convincingly 6-0, 6-2. Baptiste’s aggressive baseline play and solid court coverage were key assets throughout her season.

However, Jodie Anna Burrage, ranked 179th, had a more modest 2024 season with a record of 25-23. Despite the inconsistency, she secured a title at ITF United Arab Emirates 01A and reached the final of W75 Trnava 008. She also made semifinal runs at W25 Loughborough 18A, ITF France 20A and ITF Portugal 16A. Burrage fought hard through qualification, defeating Mariam Bolkvadze in a three-set battle (2-6, 7-6, 6-3) and then edging past Victoria Jiménez Kasintseva (6-1, 6-2). She maintained her form in her round of 32, defeating Vivian Yang 6-3, 6-3.
Prediction: Baptiste in 3

Embed from Getty Images

Nao Hibino vs. Robin Montgomery

Head-to-head: First meeting

Nao Hibino, ranked 119th, had a mediocre season with a win-loss record of 20-24 in 2024. Last season she reached the quarterfinals at the Canberra International, the WTA 125K Makarska in Croatia and the Hong Kong 125 Open. Their recent performances in the qualifying rounds were impressive, defeating Elyse Tse and Sachia Vickery in identical sets 6-4 and 6-2. In the round of 32, Hibino continued her solid form, defeating Jule Niemeier 6-3, 6-4. Known for her consistency from the baseline and tactical approach to games, Hibino remains a composed and experienced competitor on the court.

Robin Montgomery, ranked 117th, has a similar record of 19-22 in the 2024 season. She reached the semifinals of ITF USA 07A. She also reached quarterfinals at ITF USA 05A, the Puerto Vallarta Open, S-Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands, WTA 125K Gaiba in Italy and the Citi Open. In her final round of 32 match, Montgomery showed courage and determination to defeat Mai Hontama in three sets 6-3, 2-6, 6-0.
Prediction: Montgomery in 2nd

Madison Keys vs. Jacqueline Cristian

Head-to-head: Key 1-1 Cristian

Madison Keys, currently ranked 21st, had a strong 2024 season with a solid 24-12 win-loss record. Earlier this year she claimed the Internationaux de Strasbourg title and achieved consistent performance by reaching the semi-finals of the Madrid Open and the Eastbourne International. Additionally, Keys reached the quarterfinals of the Italian Open, demonstrating her ability to perform well on clay and grass surfaces. In her last game she secured a clear victory over Lucia Bronzetti in the round of 32 with a score of 6:4, 6:4. Known for her powerful serve and aggressive baseline game, Keys thrives when she can dictate play and control the pace of her matches.

Jaqueline Cristian, on the other hand, ranked 85th, had a more demanding season, which is reflected in her record of 28:31 wins and losses. Despite her difficulties, Cristian had notable quarterfinal appearances at the Charleston Open, Palermo Ladies Open and Iași Open in 2024. Even though she did not secure a title this season, Cristian has shown her potential, particularly on clay courts, as well as her defensive abilities and their ability to score points were the most effective.
Prediction: Key in 2

Main photo credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports