After virtually 9 months of tennis being performed on laborious courts, we lastly get a glimpse of clay, because the WTA 500 in Charleston opens the proceedings of the clay swing on its very distinctive inexperienced clay circumstances. Day 1 will see an thrilling slate of matches on show, for all of which we can have predictions. But who do you suppose will advance to the subsequent spherical?
WTA Charleston Day 1 Predictions
Darja Vidmanova vs Anna Bondar
Head-to-head: Bondar 1-0 Vidmanova
Darja Vidmanova made headlines together with her NCAA success, constructed round a power-based recreation. Anna Bondar will check her resilience from the baseline and won’t hesitate to increase rallies and make them bodily. With extra selection and confirmed choices on clay, Bondar ought to have the sting.
Prediction: Bondar in 2
Solana Sierra vs Akasha Urhobo
Head-to-head: First assembly
Akasha Urhobo impressed in qualifying, dropping only a few video games to succeed in the principle draw. She will enter with confidence, however Solana Sierra is a succesful clay-court participant who can flip this right into a battle of endurance. If that occurs, it could show a helpful studying expertise for Urhobo, with Sierra prone to come by way of.
Prediction: Sierra in 3
Elvina Kalieva vs McCartney Kessler
Head-to-head: First assembly
Elvina Kalieva was lucky to make it by way of as a fortunate loser, however that second likelihood can typically deliver added freedom. Against McCartney Kessler, who brings an aggressive all-court fashion, the match might be determined by high quality margins. With that sense of freedom and confidence, Kalieva could edge this one.
Prediction: Kalieva in 3
Yulia Putintseva vs Lulu Sun
Head-to-head: First assembly
(*1*) and court docket craft could make her harmful, notably on quicker surfaces. On clay, nonetheless, these strengths are prone to be neutralised, whereas Yulia Putintseva can have extra time to implement her counterpunching and disruptive fashion. That must be sufficient to see her by way of.
Prediction: Putintseva in 2
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
