There are many great players in the draw in Cleveland despite the tournament being a WTA 250 event. 2021 US Open runner-up Leylah Fernandez and nine-time Grand Slam doubles champion Katerina Siniakova are among the women scheduled to play on Day 2. We at LWOT predict all the WTA Cleveland matches here and in a separate article, including Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Viktorija Golubic.
WTA Cleveland Day 2 Predictions
Katerina Siniakova vs Sayaka Ishii
Head-to-head: First meeting
This will be 18-year-old Sayaka Ishii’s first WTA main draw appearance after she came through qualifying. Siniakova has had an outstanding year on the doubles court. However, her singles results have been slightly below what she is capable of. However, the Czech’s record in opening-round matches this season is pretty good; the following round is usually her problem. Ishii can swing freely as the underdog in this matchup, but I expect Siniakova to be steady enough to reach the next round.
Prediction: Siniakova in 2
Peyton Stearns vs Moyuka Uchijima
Head-to-head: First meeting
Stearns produced good tennis in her opening three tournaments of the North American hard court season. The American progressed to the quarterfinal of the National Bank Open, losing to the eventual champion Jessica Pegula. Her other defeats were to the Citi DC Open winner Paula Badosa and 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu, who played terrific tennis to beat Stearns. Uchijima will struggle to overcome her if the home favorite plays near her best. The Japanese player has no weapons to hurt Stearns, and I doubt she can soak up pressure for an entire match.
Prediction: Stearns in 2
Leylah Fernandez vs Ana Bogdan
Head-to-head: Bogdan 1-0 Fernandez
Some may be surprised by Fernandez’s decision to play in Cleveland. A few days ago, the Canadian made the singles quarterfinals and the doubles final at the Cincinnati Open. Bogdan comprehensively defeated Fernandez on clay at the Mutua Madrid Open a few months ago. The former US Open finalist has a better chance on a hard court. Her ability to take the ball early is more likely to trouble the Romanian in Cleveland. Fernandez’s recent form also makes it tough not to back her.
Prediction: Fernandez in 2
Main Photo Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
