Day 1 at the WTA 250 in Cleveland has six matches on the slate. Rising Australian teenager Maya Joint will face an equally talented young player in Eva Lys in an interesting first-round match. Who will reach the next round?
WTA Cleveland Day 1 Predictions
Kimberly Birrell vs Anastasia Zakharova
Head-to-head: Zakharova 1-0 Birrell
Zakharova settled their only career meeting in three sets in the Hua Hin qualifiers last season. Birrell has certainly fared better than the Russian in 2025, with six more wins and a better ranking. But with both players out of form, this one could lean towards the player who has more weight off the ground to finish points quickly, and I reckon Zakharova has the edge.
Prediction: Zakharova in 3
Anastasia Potapova vs Iva Jovic
Head-to-head: first meeting
Potapova is having a mixed season. She had a strong start to the year, making the quarterfinals at Linz and winning the WTA 250 in Cluj-Napoca. But since withdrawing from Berlin with a muscle tear, she is 1-3 in North America. By contrast, Jovic made waves on the grass. She won her first title on the surface in Ilkey and qualified for her first Wimbledon. Last week, she reached the third round in Cincinnati as a lucky loser. If Potapova’s poor form persists, a hungry and fearless Jovic can certainly take full advantage.
Prediction: Jovic in 3
Maya Joint vs Eva Lys
Head-to-head: first meeting
This is the standout match of the day in Cleveland. Maya Joint has shown glimpses of her talent this season, and there is a realistic chance that she could achieve a Top 50 year-end ranking. And with two titles to her name and a handful of big wins, that would be quite a feat for the teenager. Eva Lys, while still talented and yet to reach her full potential, can pull off a statement win as she looks to climb the rankings. This, however, should be Joint’s match to lose. She’s been consistent all season.
Prediction: Joint in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
