It was a cold morning as the ladies took to the green clay in Charleston. While the temperatures were chilly, the action on the court was certainly hot. Jelena Ostapenko defeated Sweden’s Johanna Larsson in straight sets. Some days off may have been exactly what Swiss Belinda Bencic needed. The Swiss took out rising young Aussie Destanee Aiava in straight sets. So, what’s in store for Day 2? Who will we see moving on?
WTA Charleston Open Day 2 Predictions
Vavara Lepchenko vs Andrea Petkovic
Head to head: Lepchenko 2-0 Petkovic
It’s an interesting first round match-up between two talented though underperforming players. Andrea Petkovic hasn’t been able to capitalize on her opportunities yet. Talented, crafty and boasting an all-court game, Petkovic seems to lose focus at critical moments. Vavara Lepchenko will exploit those moments. While the American leads the head to head against the struggling German, neither player is at her best, and this match could easily go either way. But, it’s likely that Lepcheko’s more consistent play will further expand the head to head in her favor.
Prediction: Lepchenko in 2
Sloane Stephens vs Sara Sorribes Tormo
No history
Sloane Stephens is certainly not in the form which led her to the 2017 Volvo Car Open title. The former Slam champion had an early exit in Miami, unable to come up with a strategy against Tatjana Maria’s unconventional yet crafty play. It seems Stephens cannot hit her spots and continues to misfire. Because of that, her confidence continues to dwindle. Across the net will be a confident Sara Sorribes Tormo. Coming off a straight sets win against Fanny Stollar in which her serve was her dominant weapon, Sorribes Tormo is capable of upending the #1 seed. But, Stephens is due for a turn-around, and if she starts well, there’ll be no looking back.
Prediction: Stephens in 2
Danielle Collins vs Madison Brengle
Head to head: Collins 0-1 Brengle
The only meeting between these Americans happened way back in 2017. And it was a qualifier, which favored Madison Brengle in straight sets at the Pan Pacific Open. Certainly, a much different time in both these players careers. Danielle Collins’ meteoric rise has led her to WTA’s #34, more than 60 spots higher than Brengle. An absolutely fierce competitor, Collins can blast winners from both wings and from anywhere on the court. While her game is better suited to hard courts or grass courts, Collins will surely find a way to work the clay. While Brengle is a fine player, she’s no where near the caliber of Collins.
Prediction: Collins in 2
Petra Martic vs Amanda Anisimova
Head to head: Martic 0-2 Anisimova
Looking for her fourth win of 2019 is World #53 Petra Martic. The aggressive baseliner relies on her hard serve, precisely placed, to garner some easy points. However, should the Croat’s serve fall short, a good returner in the form of Amanda Anisimova will punish any balls which misses their mark. Just 17 years old, the red hot teenager is winning against some of the WTA’s highest ranked players. Anisimova’s Hingis-like ability to redirect even the heaviest of shots and her own easy power allows her to easily command the court. These skills should allow her to see off Croatia’s Petra Martic.
Prediction: Anisimova in 2
