After several months of tennis on hard courts, we finally get a glimpse of clay as the WTA event in Bogotá opens proceedings with five matches between players meeting for the first time at this level. Day 1 will feature an exciting slate of matches, all of which we will have predictions for. But who do you think will advance to the next round?

WTA Bogota Day 1 Predictions
Elizabeth Mandlik vs Julieta Pareja

Head–to–Head: First Meeting

Elizabeth Mandlik returns to Bogotá still searching for her first main draw win since 2023. Now ranked #173 and grinding it out on the lower rungs, the 24-year-old faces a tricky assignment against a fearless rising compatriot with nothing to lose.

The 17-year-old Julieta Pareja, ranked #323 but already battle-tested with three tour-level wins last season. The gulf in experience leans Mandlik’s way, but Pareja’s upside and momentum hint at danger. An upset isn’t guaranteed, but the underdog has every chance to land a serious punch.
Prediction: Pareja in 3

Katarzyna Kawa vs Carole Monnet

Head–to–Head: First Meeting

Carole Monnet returns to Bogotá chasing just the second main draw win of her career, but the odds are stacked firmly against her. The French woman shown flashes, yet this is a steep test against a more polished opponent.

Katarzyna Kawa is vastly more experienced at this level. The Pole’s proven clay-court pedigree only sharpens the mismatch. On this surface, this looks like Kawa’s match to control from start to finish.
Prediction: Kawa in 2

Julia Riera vs Selena Janicijevic

Head–to–Head: First Meeting

While Selena Janicijevic has already racked up two wins in Bogota qualifying, Julia Riera should still have the edge against her. Heading into their opening-round clash, the script looks familiar. The Argentine’s clay-court strength and heavy groundstrokes should ultimately prove decisive.

Riera’s recent form and head-to-head confidence make her the one to beat, and unless Janicijevic finds a way to disrupt the rhythm, this feels like another matchup firmly on Riera’s racquet.
Prediction: Riera in 2

Despina Papamichail vs Anastasia Tikhonova

Head–to–Head: First Meeting

Anastasia Tikhonova comes into Bogotá with a bit of momentum on her side after a solid showing in qualifying. Her recent run on clay has been sharp, controlled, giving her a clear edge in baseline exchanges and point construction.

Despina Papamichail has struggled to find consistency in recent matches, and this first-round encounter at Copa Colsanitas can swing either way, but I’ll lean towards the Greek’s experience to eke out a win.
Prediction: Papamichail in 3

Tatjana Maria vs Valentina Mediorreal Arias

Head–to–Head:  First Meeting

Tatjana Maria arrives in Bogotá desperate to stop the slide, carrying a seven-match losing streak and just a single win all season. The 38-year-old veteran has looked out of rhythm in 2026, but this draw offers a rare opening to reset and rediscover some momentum.

Standing in her way is teenage wild card Valentina Mediorreal Arias, ranked outside the top 700 and making only her fourth Tour-level main draw appearance. Backed by the home crowd but still raw at this level, it’s a steep ask, one that should give the fourth seed a golden chance to breathe again.
Prediction: Maria in 2

Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports