There are several top American players in action on the second day at the WTA Charleston Open. This includes a clash between WTA Finals runner-up Jessica Pegula and former French Open semifinalist Amanda Anisimova. That fascinating matchup is one of three matches predicted in this article. We at LWOT also predict the other contests on the second day in Charleston in two separate articles, including Sloane Stephens vs Magdalena Frech and Madison Keys vs Jaqueline Cristian.
WTA Charleston Day 2 Predictions
Taylor Townsend vs Sofia Kenin
Head-to-head: Kenin 3-1 Townsend
Kenin will be very pleased to see the back of the first hard court season of 2024. The 2020 Australian Open champion has endured a terrible start to the year, winning just one main-draw match so far. But this could be a tricky opening to her clay court season. The explosive Townsend played well during the Sunshine Double and can be tough to handle when she finds her range, including on clay. Overall, the surface at the WTA Charleston Open should help Kenin to soak up pressure from Townsend if she finds a good level. It is hard to predict how Kenin will play at the moment but my instinct is to back her here.
Prediction: Kenin in 3
Danielle Collins vs Paula Badosa
Head-to-head: Collins 1-0 Badosa
It has only been a few days since Collins took her shot at glory to win the Miami Open after an amazing run at her home event in Florida. It will be interesting to see if she can replicate that level again so quickly and on a new surface. Badosa is a tough first-round opponent to get. The Spaniard has been inconsistent this year, with injuries also being an issue for her. But she is still a very good clay court player on an average day. Despite how amazingly Collins played in Miami, Badosa may be playing her at the right time to claim victory at the WTA Charleston Open.
Prediction: Badosa in 3
Jessica Pegula vs Amanda Anisimova
Head-to-head: Pegula 1-0 Anisimova
Anisimova’s victory against Alize Cornet was her first match since the Australian Open. Although Cornet is well past her prime, Anisimova’s level was still encouraging. But she is still unlikely to overcome Pegula. The American No. 2 does not like clay quite as much as hard courts, but she is still very solid on the dirt and will be as consistent as always. Clay is Anisimova’s favourite surface, but I do not think the 22-year-old is ready to defeat someone of Pegula’s class after her time on the sidelines.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – USA TODAY Sports
