A busy second day of WTA tennis is scheduled in Charleston. 2019 US Open champion Bianca Andreescu’s quest to climb the rankings will continue against Dalma Galfi. Three other matches are also predicted here. We here at LWOT cover the other action, including Paula Baodsa vs Kayla Day and Belinda Bencic vs Dayana Yastremska, separately.
WTA Charleston Day 2 Predictions
Polina Kudermetova vs Oleksandra Oliynykova
Head-to-head: Oliynykova 1-0 Kudermetova
Oliynykova defeated Kudermetova in their only previous meeting, at a 125K event in Antalya earlier this year. That match was played on red clay. Kudermetova, a naturally aggressive player, will try to use the slightly quicker green clay in Charleston to hit through the Ukrainian. Oliynykova is the more solid player, and I think she can weather her opponent’s groundstrokes to win.
Prediction: Oliynykova in 3
Sara Bejlek vs Akasha Urhobo
Head-to-head: First meeting
19-year-old Urhobo, ranked No. 273, has not dropped a set since qualifying. The American has displayed a fearless attitude, and that approach can help her not be intimidated by Bejlek, this year’s Abu Dhabi Open champion. Nonetheless, the Czech should have enough to prevail. If she performs near her best, the intensity of Bejlek’s groundstrokes will be a few steps up from Urhobo’s previous matches.
Prediction: Bejlek in 2
Diana Shnaider vs Katie Volynets
Head-to-head: Shnaider 2-0 Volynets
Volynets won 12 of the final 13 games to recover from dropping the opening set against Eva Lys. Shnaider is much less likely to produce as many errors as Lys did. Volynets possesses a strong defense that is challenging to hit through on clay, but the green surface in Charleston has more pace than the red used in Europe. That should help Shnaider to wear Volynets down.
Prediction: Shnaider in 2
Bianca Andreescu vs Dalma Galfi
Head-to-head: Andreescu 1-1 Galfi
Galfi defeated Andreescu in Austin just over a month ago after a tight battle. The matchup is slightly tougher for the Canadian this time because she usually plays best on grass and hard courts. Andreescu has had some decent moments this season, including being a runner-up at a 125K tournament. However, I do not trust her level enough to overcome Galfi on clay.
Prediction: Galfi in 2
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
