Seven opening round WTA Cluj-Napoca matches are scheduled for day with a former-world #1 amongst those headlining the action. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate, including Emma Raducanu vs Greet Minnen. But who will advance?
WTA Cluj-Napoca Day 2 Matches
Veronika Erjavec vs Tamara Zidansek
Head-to-head: first meeting
Former French Open semifinalist Tamara Zidansek has a more impressive CV than her first-round opponent, Veronika Erjavec, but both women have been at similar levels recently. Both Slovenians suffered one-sided defeats at the Australian Open in their last matches. But Zidansek’s more complete game and better track record of handling tight moments mean she is narrowly favoured in what promises to be a tight battle.
Prediction: Zidansek in 3
Ana Bogdan vs Maja Chwalinska
Head-to-head: first meeting
Ana Bogdan was the runner-up at her home tournament two years ago. The gritty player is more likely to find form on the slow hard courts in Romania than anywhere. Maja Chwalinska will probably try to be aggressive to prevent her opponent from getting into a steady rhythm. Bogdan effectively handling that challenge is the most likely outcome.
Prediction: Bogdan in 2
Sorana Cirstea vs Kamilla Rakhimova
Head-to-head: Cirstea 2-0 Rakhimova
Sorana Cirstea, who is retiring at the end of this season, has usually underperformed at events in Romania. Indeed, none of her seven finals at WTA 250 level and above have come on home soil despite being a regular feature at WTA events in Romania. She defeated Kamilla Rakhimova in the Adelaide International qualifying a few weeks ago. Cirstea being defeated due to nervousness is possible, but she should have enough to get past Rakhimova – even if she has to go the distance.
Prediction: Cirstea in 3
Karolina Pliskova vs Anastasia Zakharova
Head-to-head: First meeting
Karolina Pliskova showed great signs in her two victories at the Australian Open, one of which came against the 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens. At her best, the two-time Grand Slam runner-up, who also won the title in Cluj-Napoca two years ago, is a much better player than Zakharova. Some inconsistency will almost certainly occur in her ongoing comeback from a long-term injury, but she should prevail here.
Prediction: Pliskova in 2
Main photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
