On a cold and windy day Day 2 in Charleston, we watched the ladies fight through tough weather and tough matches. Rain delayed the start of the matches, leaving the green clay feeling more like chalk. Those first on the courts found sliding near impossible. Skidding, yes. Sliding, no!
Amanda Anisimova’s inexperience on clay combined with high unforced errors led to her loss to Petra Martic. And, the crowd was treated to Andrea Petkovic’s worm dance thanks to her win over veteran player Vavara Lepchenko. Sloane Stephens found herself down 1-5 in the first set before finding her rhythm and regrouping to take the match, 7-6, 7-6, against Spain’s clay court savvy Sorribes Tormo. Now, who will push through Day 3?
Allie Kiick vs Belinda Bencic
Head to head: Kiick 0-1 Bencic
It took a well-rested Belinda Bencic just 15 games to defeat Australia’s rising star Destanee Aiava. The Swiss claimed six breaks of serve and gave back only one. It was Bencic’s return of serve that allowed her take control of the court and the point. And, it sure didn’t hurt that she maintained a 73% first serve!
Allie Kiick’s first round nearly mirrored Bencic’s success. Against Frenchwoman Pauline Parmentier, Kiick had five breaks of serve and gave back only one. An astounding 82% first serve allowed her run away with her opening match 6-3, 6-0. The difference in the Bencic/Kiick match-up will be who can take advantage of second serves – and that will handily go to the power, placement and prowess of the Swiss. While you can expect long rallies and some good defense from Kiick, a fit and rested Bencic should prove impossible to beat.
Prediction: Bencic in 2
Madison Keys vs Tatjana Maria
Head to head: Keys 2-0 Maria
Disappointing is the word Madison Keys used to describe her Sunshine Double results. Exited in the first round of those Premier Mandatory events surely diminished Keys’ already faltering confidence. Granted, the American has shown past success in Charleston, but can her mired play take her to the final?
Tatjana Maria may prove the immovable obstacle in her path. Certainly, the German will be ready to slice and dice, putting on full display her deft drop shots – all part of her unconventional and opponent frustrating game. Maddie will feel the same frustration Maria doled out to her compatriot Sloane Stevens in Miami. This frustration will lead to Keys’ mistiming and mishitting her shots. Hopefully the spectators in row 12 will be ready to fend off those errant balls. Based on that, an upset is in the making.
Prediction: Maria in 2
Jessica Pegula vs Anastasija Sevastova
Head to head: Pegula 0-1 Sevastova
Anastasija Sevastova is the number four seed in this tournament, receiving a first round bye. The Latvian is a very accomplished and skilled player who’s had a tough start to 2019, failing to make it past the second round of a tournament since the Australian Open. Adding to it, Sevastova has struggled with illness over the past few weeks, causing her to retire during her Indian Wells match less than a month ago. Health and form aside, she’s been given a kind draw, opening play against Jessica Pegula.
I won’t be surprised if you don’t know who Jessica Pegula is. Usually, her name appears in ITF and Challenger series draws. Now she’s into the second round of a WTA Premier level event, on a surface she doesn’t favor, and tasked with taking on World #12. While she claimed victory in her first round, it was hard fought and she came through it on grit alone. Accordingly, we should find Pegula outplayed and out of Charleston. This match should handily go to Sevastova in two quick sets.
Prediction: Sevastova in 2
Aryna Sabalenka vs Kateryna Kozlova
Head to head: Sabalenka 1-0 Kozlova
Kateryna Kozlova has already put in a lot of time on the courts in Charleston. Two qualifying matches got the Ukranian into the main draw. Against first round opponent Kristyna Pliskova, she got through in straight sets. But, her serve was broke three times. That she could break Pliskova five times was what got her the win. Yet, against a formidable and in-form opponent such as Aryna Sabalenka, those break chances will be few and far between. It will be Sabalenka looking to capitalize on break points and use her power down the line to leave Kozlova befuddled. Her doubles-honed net skills will mitigate any drop shot attempts. Thus, this match should go to Sabalenka in straight sets.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
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