Amanda Anisimova and Alize Cornet might not be at their strongest at all right now, but a matchup between them on Day 1 of the WTA 500 in Charleston still attracts attention. The American hasn’t competed since the Australian Open, while her veteran opponent has been struggling to pick up wins this year. Who do you think will come out on top? We also look at the rest of the day’s matches in a separate article.
WTA Charleston Day 1 Predictions
Magda Linette vs Petra Martic
Head-to-head: Linette 3-1
Magda Linette used to hold a commanding lead in the head-to-head, but Petra Martic pulled it back a little bit in Zhengzhou last year. The Croat showed in that much that a 3-0 was likely a little harsh and that she doesn’t feel any fear playing Linette. Now they’re both pretty much in struggle town this year, although the Pole to a slightly bigger extent. Martic hasn’t played in Charleston in a few years, but that quicker synthetic clay court usually allows her to unleash a lot of her varied attacking game.
Prediction: Martic in 3
Sachia Vickery vs Jaqueline Cristian
Head-to-head: Vickery 1-0
Jacqueline Cristian was a beast on clay courts last year; let’s see how she handles the green version against a veteran like Sachia Vickery. The American pulled through the qualifying with solid wins over Lauren Davis and McCartney Kessler. One can’t deny that she’s got so much experience on this surface and she was able to post a main draw victory here last year. Cristian has a bigger game though and perhaps she’ll be able to play her way into the match with time.
Prediction: Cristian in 2
Arantxa Rus vs Katie Volynets
Head-to-head: Volynets 1-0
Arantxa Rus hasn’t played in Charleston since 2015 and has never won a match here, main draw or qualifying. That was all ages ago but compared to her mastery of the red dirt, the green clay likely doesn’t suit her all that much. That doesn’t mean she won’t be dangerous with lots more experience under her belt now. But it feels like Katie Volynets might have a nice chance to keep her qualifying momentum going here as she’s been trending in the right direction the past few months.
Prediction: Volynets in 3
Claire Liu vs Shelby Rogers
Head-to-head: Rogers 2-0
While she only made the quarterfinal stage once, Shelby Rogers has been one of the most common performers in Charleston over the years with this being her 13th appearance at this event. She’s just coming back to the tour after the break now and clearly still hasn’t regained her best form though. Claire Liu is a doable draw and the 23-year-old’s qualifying campaign was quite messy. Liu’s game is better than the results she’s getting though and if she has a good day at the office, she’ll make it very tough for Rogers.
Prediction: Liu in 3
Alize Cornet vs Amanda Anisimova
Head-to-head: 1-1
Amanda Anisimova is back for the first time since the Australian Open and it’s a never-ending saga with the American and whether she’ll be ready to compete physically. She made the Charleston semifinals two years ago and should be a force on green clay, but we’ll have to wait and see if she’s already 100%. The good news for her is that she’s facing Alize Cornet, who’s on the verge of retirement right now and hasn’t won in two months herself. The way the French veteran is playing right now, an out-of-match-sharpness Anisimova might be favored here.
Prediction: Anisimova in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
