We are up to Day 2 of the WTA Volvo Car Open in Charleston, South Carolina. Tuesday will see a mix of first- and second-round matches, with some great ones on deck. We predict all 13 of the day’s matches between three articles. In addition to this one, we have other articles featuring Coco Gauff vs Tsvetana Pironkova and Magdalena Frech vs Garbine Muguruza.
WTA Charleston Day 2 Predictions
Leylah Fernandez vs Shuai Zhang
A few years ago, we were assuming that Fernandez would be Canada’s next star. Of course, Bianca Andreescu beat her to that. Still, Fernandez is a future star as Canada seems to be entering its golden age. Unfortunately for her, Zhang is a strong player who is getting better on clay. The Chinese woman reached the fourth round at the French Open last fall, and should be able to get through this match.
Prediction: Zhang in 3
Sloane Stephens vs Zinyu Wang
I have a rule for predicting matches involving Sloane Stephens: don’t even try. The American is one of the most talented players in the world. When her game is clicking, there is no one I would take to beat her–not even Serena Williams or Ash Barty. Unfortunately for both Stephens and tennis fans, her game clicks rarely, and is entirely unpredictable. If she plays well, she will easily win this match. If she isn’t, she could even let a player like Wang–currently ranked #147 in the world–beat her.
Prediction: Stephens in 2
Ons Jabeur vs Martina Trevisan
There is nothing particular special that sticks out about Jabeur’s game. And yet, she does everything very well, which makes her tough to beat. The Tunisian constantly makes Arab tennis history just by playing consistent tennis and winning matches, even against players far more talented than herself. Trevisan is not more talented than Jabeur, and won’t have the game to win this match.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
Petra Kvitova vs Storm Sanders
Clay is Kvitova’s worst surface, but that’s not saying much. The Czech is one of the best players in the world, and her ranking of #11 is a little lower than it should be due to the pandemic-adjusted system. Sanders is playing well right now and was impressive in qualifying and her opening match, but she’ll be completely outmatched in this one.
Prediction: Kvitova in 2
