After almost nine months of tennis being played on hard courts, we finally get a glimpse of clay, as the WTA 500 in Charleston opens the proceedings of the clay swing on its very unique green clay conditions. Day 1 will see an exciting slate of matches on display, for all of which we will have predictions. But who do you think will advance to the next round?
WTA Charleston Day 1 Predictions
Darja Vidmanova vs Anna Bondar
Head-to-head: Bondar 1-0 Vidmanova
Darja Vidmanova made headlines with her NCAA success, built around a power-based game. Anna Bondar will test her resilience from the baseline and will not hesitate to extend rallies and make them physical. With more variety and proven options on clay, Bondar should have the edge.
Prediction: Bondar in 2
Solana Sierra vs Akasha Urhobo
Head-to-head: First meeting
Akasha Urhobo impressed in qualifying, dropping very few games to reach the main draw. She will enter with confidence, but Solana Sierra is a capable clay-court player who can turn this into a battle of patience. If that happens, it may prove a valuable learning experience for Urhobo, with Sierra likely to come through.
Prediction: Sierra in 3
Elvina Kalieva vs McCartney Kessler
Head-to-head: First meeting
Elvina Kalieva was fortunate to make it through as a lucky loser, but that second chance can often bring added freedom. Against McCartney Kessler, who brings an aggressive all-court style, the match could be decided by fine margins. With that sense of freedom and confidence, Kalieva may just edge this one.
Prediction: Kalieva in 3
Yulia Putintseva vs Lulu Sun
Head-to-head: First meeting
Lulu Sun’s left-handed angles and court craft can make her dangerous, particularly on faster surfaces. On clay, however, those strengths are likely to be neutralised, while Yulia Putintseva will have more time to implement her counterpunching and disruptive style. That should be enough to see her through.
Prediction: Putintseva in 2
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
