More seeds are in action at the WTA Iasi Open in Romania, with Tuesday featuring an impressive 12 matches at the clay court event. LWOT offers its predictions ahead of the big day, with spots in the second round on the line. Who will advance?
WTA Iasi Day 2 Predictions
Kaitlin Quevedo vs Elena-Gabriela Ruse
Head-to-head: First meeting
Ruse typically performs well in front of her home crowd, and her heavy groundstrokes work on the clay courts. While Quevedo, at 20, is steadily rising the ranks and won an ITF title on clay this year, Ruse should be too solid during the significant points.
Prediction: Ruse in 2
Emiliana Arango vs Tamara Zidansek
Head-to-head: Zidanšek 1-0
It’s now been over five years ago since Zidansek made a heroic run to the French Open semifinals, as she’ll look to bounce back into the WTA Top 100. She defeated Arango in their only meeting, in 2024, but Arango tends to play her best tennis on clay, with a tour-level semifinal to her name on clay earlier this season. The Colombian also has a tricky topspin game that could trouble Zidansek’s offense.
Prediction: Arango in 3
Elina Avanesyan vs Moyuka Uchijima
Head-to-head: Avanesyan 1-0
Avanesyan would love to get a big win here after health struggles hindered much of her 2025, and she cruised through qualifying in Romania, dropping just four games. Uchijima is just 1-8 on the season at tour-level, making this a fascinating matchup. Avanesyan can hit a powerful flat forehand, but the Japanese star brings more craftiness to the court, which might be the difference on slower courts.
Prediction: Uchijima in 3
Mayar Sherif vs Dalma Galfi
Head-to-head: Sherif 2-1
Sherif won the pair’s recent meeting just weeks ago at the French Open, prevailing 7-5 6-4. Just last week, the Egyptian hoisted a WTA 125K trophy in France, meaning fatigue could play a role here, while she may be sky high on confidence. Sherif brings her best tennis for the clay courts, while Galfi is currently on a four-match losing streak.
Prediction: Sherif in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
