Jessica Pegula is back in action just three days after her Miami Open final loss to Aryna Sabalenka. The world No. 4 will try to start strongly on day 3 at WTA Charleston against Iryna Shymanovich. As always, we at LWOT predict all the matches in Charleston, including Emma Navarro vs Hailey Baptiste, Belinda Bencic vs Sofia Kenin, and Qinwen Zheng vs Maria Sakkari.
WTA Charleston Day 3 Predictions
Jelena Ostapenko vs Louisa Chirico
Head-to-head: Ostapenko 1-0 Chirico
Ostapenko undoubtedly has fond memories of her only previous meeting against Chirico. She defeated the 28-year-old in the opening round of her run to the 2017 French Open title, which remains the Latvian’s greatest career moment. Her recent fortunes have been less impressive, losing every match since the Qatar Open final. Chirico fought past Erika Andreeva in three sets in the last round, and her scrappiness could frustrate Ostapenko. The 11th seed’s best level is far superior to Chirico’s, but it is impossible to predict the mercurial character’s matches with certainty.
Prediction: Ostapenko in 2
Ashlyn Krueger vs Katie Volynets
Head-to-head: Krueger 2-0 Volynets
These two met a few weeks ago in Indian Wells. Krueger lost the opening set 0-6 before storming back to triumph 0-6 6-2 6-2. Volynets’ favorite surface is clay, and she enters this match on the back of an incredible 6-0, 6-0 win against Katherine Sebov in just 54 minutes. How well Volynets can defend her vulnerable second serve will be a vital part of this matchup. This promises to be a tight and entertaining battle between two players with differing styles. Overall, the gritty Volynets is backed to get her revenge against her compatriot.
Prediction: Volynets in 3
Jessica Pegula vs Iryna Shymanovich
Head-to-head: First meeting
Pegula will probably be happy to start her campaign against an opponent ranked outside the Top 100. There is a good chance of the 2024 US Open runner-up making it through this match without being near her best. Shymanovich’s best surface is clay, and her only Grand Slam main victory was at the 2023 French Open. The Belarusian is a dogged competitor, but upsetting someone of Pegula’s quality does not seem likely.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
