The action will come thick and fast on Day 2 at the WTA 250 in Cluj-Napoca. Nine matches will be played, including Simona Halep vs Lucia Bronzetti. This article predicts four matches, with Peyton Stearns among those set to play at the WTA 250 tournament in Romania.
WTA Cluj-Napoca Day 2 Predictions
Anastasia Potapova vs Julia Grabher
Head-to-head: Potapova 1-1 Grabher
Grabher defeated Potapova once in the past by picking the right moments to attack. Potapova, the No. 1 seed in Cluj-Napoca, bases her game on solidity and defensive skills, which can lead to her opponents rushing and going for too much. Although Grabher has proven she can trouble Potapova, the higher-ranked player’s consistency will likely win more times than not.
Prediction: Potapova in 2
Jessica Bouzas Maneiro vs Laura Siegemund
Head-to-head: Bouzas Maneiro 1-1 Siegemund
This is an intriguing matchup between emerging young star Bouzas Maneiro and crafty veteran Siegemund. The Spaniard’s aggression and ability to finish points have significantly improved in the last 12 months. Those enhancements to her game might prove crucial against Siegemund, who uses much variety to frustrate her opponents. Bouzas Maneiro is backed to win a tight battle.
Prediction: Bouzas Maneiro in 3
Anna Blinkova vs Sara Sorribes Tormo
Head-to-head: Blinkova 2-2 Sorribes Tormo
Sorribes Tormo’s matches are often a battle between her attack and her opponent’s defense. That will undoubtedly be the case against Blinkova, who likes to play on the front foot. Their head-to-head record shows this is a challenging match to call. However, the conditions in Cluj-Napoca are not very quick, which should help Sorribes Tormo slightly more.
Prediction: Sorribes Tormo in 3
Peyton Stearns vs. Varvara Gracheva
Head-to-head: Gracheva 2-1 Stearns
Gracheva is a pretty mercurial talent. Her clean hitting, at its best, can trouble most players, but she does not produce it as often as she should. Stearns used to be somewhat similar before significantly improving her consistency in the last year. The American will likely win if she produces the same level as her narrow defeat to Emma Navarro at the Australian Open, one of the best matches of the season’s opening Grand Slam.
Prediction: Stearns in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
