Day 2 at the WTA Credit One Charleston Open sees the rest of the first round, mixed in with some Round 2 matches. As always, we here at LWOT will share our thoughts on all 12 of the day’s matches, split between three articles. We split the rest of the matches between articles featuring Ons Jabeur vs Lesia Tsurenko and Danielle Collins vs Shelby Rogers. Who do you think will advance?
WTA Charleston Day 2 Predictions
Leylah Fernandez vs Evgeniya Rodina
Fernandez has been up and down recently–and, if we’re being honest, more down than up. Rodina, meanwhile, came back from her pregnancy absence with an incredible run but hasn’t done too much since. At some point, age and a lack of form has to catch up with her, and clay isn’t her favorite surface.
Prediction: Fernandez in 2
Paula Badosa vs Mayar Sherif
The Spaniard has lost a bit of the magic that brought her to #2 in the world last year, but she’s still one of the top players in the world. Sherif has impressive moments, but she’s not on the same level as Badosa.
Prediction: Badosa in 2
Emma Navarro vs Madison Keys
I still have faith that Emma Navarro will impress, though I tend to have higher expectations of college standouts than most. Still, Keys is one of the toughest players in the world to deal with, and Navarro has no particular weapons that will trouble her older compatriot.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Victoria Azarenka vs Sloane Stephens
This is, quite obviously, the biggest match of the day. Stephens isn’t her Slam-winning former self, but she still has flashes of brilliance. The same is true of Azarenka. The Belorussian is more consistent than the American nowadays, though I think Stephens has a higher top level, if she can find it. Big “if.”
Prediction: Azarenka in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
