The third day at the WTA Charleston Open was affected by rain. This means some of the matches originally scheduled on day 3 are still to be played, including Sloane Stephens vs Leylah Fernandez and Danielle Collins vs Ons Jabeur. There are also six round of 16 contests to be played on day 4, with three of these predicted in this article. We at LWOT provide our predictions and analysis for the other round of 16 contests in a separate article, including Maria Sakkari vs Astra Sharma.
WTA Charleston Day 4 Predictions
Emma Navarro vs Jaqueline Cristian
Head-to-head: First meeting
Both players were very impressive in the last round. Cristian got a great win against Madison Keys, while Navarro dismantled Katie Volynets. However, despite how well Cristian played against Keys, she is unlikely to repeat the victory against Navarro. The young American is in outstanding form and clay is her favorite surface. She should be able to soak up any pressure Cristian tries to apply with her athleticism and then strike at the right moments.
Prediction: Navarro in 2
Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Veronika Kudermetova
Head-to-head: Kudermetova 1-0 Haddad Maia
Both players got very welcome victories in the last round. Each woman had been struggling for the last few weeks on hard courts. This is an interesting matchup. In general, I trust WTA Elite Trophy winner Haddad Maia more on clay. But Kudermetova is a former champion at the WTA Charleston Open and likes the green clay. Overall, I think Haddad Maia may be a little too solid after a very good performance against Caroline Dolehide, but this could be close.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 3
Elina Svitolina vs Elise Mertens
Head to head: Svitolina 4-2 Mertens
Expect many long rallies between two very good athletes. But the evolution of Svitolina’s game could make the difference here. She plays more aggressively than earlier in her career. That willingness to step in is important to stop Mertens getting in a comfortable rhythm from the baseline, which is when she is most dangerous. It also helps in particular on the green clay. The Ukrainian to come through in two competitive sets at the WTA Charleston Open.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Jessica Pegula vs Magda Linette
Head-to-head: Pegula 1-0 Linette
WTA Finals runner-up Pegula managed a very dramatic triumph against Amanda Anisimova in the previous round. That could give her the moemntum she needs after a patchy start to the season. Last year’s Australian Open semifinalist Linette had been struggling badly before the WTA Charleston Open but came back very impressively to defeat Dayana Yastremska to set up this meeting. But a repeat of that will be tough. Linette lacks the firepower to rush Pegula like Anisimova did and the American world No. 2 should be able to dictate the points in this encounter.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
