Linda Noskova, the defending champion, is set to take on Germany’s Tatjana Maria in the second round of the 2025 Monterrey Open. The match is scheduled for Wednesday, August 20.
Noskova arrives in good form after opening Monterrey with a straight-sets victory over Lulu Sun, a rematch of last year’s final in which Noskova also prevailed. The win extended her perfect run in Monterrey to 6-0 and added to her 2025 hard-court totals, now at 14-11 for the year. In the match against Sun, Noskova dropped just two points in the opening tie-break and didn’t face a break point on her serve in the second set, while charging through with 13 aces and only one double fault. Her first-serve percentage was solid at 62%, and she won 87% of her first-serve points (39 of 45) and 75% of her second-serve points (21 of 28).
Maria reached the second round by defeating Hungary’s Anna Bondar in straight sets, in a contest that lasted just over two hours and 25 games. The opener went to a tight 7-6 in favor of Maria after both players held serve with pressure throughout the breaker. Maria saved six of ten break points in the match and delivered five aces with three double faults. She completed the win with 52% first-serve efficiency and captured 63% of first-serve points (27 of 43) and 50% of second-serve points (20 of 40). Her performance on hard courts continues to build, moving to 12-10 for the season on this surface.
Head-to-head records show this will be the first-ever meeting between Noskova and Maria, which adds an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup. Noskova is the more aggressive, power-based player by profile, capable of dictating points with heavy hitting when her movement and rhythm are on. Maria specializes in variety, slicing, and backing up serves to disrupt tempo, and she’s shown she can conjure momentum in long rallies when she’s able to lock into a good run.
Prediction and what to watch
This match appears favorable for Noskova if she can reproduce the level she showed against Sun, especially in sustaining pressure with her serve and applying pace from the baseline. Maria will look to disrupt Noskova’s rhythm with sharp slices and smart serving, but sustaining that plan across multiple games will be key, as Noskova’s power can tilt rallies in her favor. If Noskova gets her game going early and avoids getting dragged into a long, tight exchange, she should have the edge to advance.
Possible keys for Noskova
– Establish and maintain aggressive baseline play early in each set.
– Keep first-serve pressure high to limit Maria’s opportunities to set up her slices and returns.
– Move Maria around the court, using depth and pace to prevent the left-dominant slice patterns from taking root.
– Avoid letting a tight first set swing the momentum in Maria’s favor; stay mentally direct in tie-break scenarios.
Possible keys for Maria
– Use varied spins and angles to disrupt Noskova’s rhythm.
– Stay solvent on serve and maximize break-point opportunities when Noskova wobbles.
– Remain patient in long rallies and seek to turn second-serve returns into aggressive, second-wave attacking points.
Summary
Noskova’s streak in Monterrey and her recent form position her as the favored player in this second-round clash. Maria’s resilience and creative shot-making can always throw a wrench into a match, especially in a short, high-intensity setting, but Noskova’s current confidence and power-based game give her the best chance to advance to the next round.
Note: The Monterrey Open continues to present a strong field on hard courts, and Noskova’s title defense remains a focal storyline as she pursues back-to-back titles in the event.