American Shelby Rogers takes on Kaia Kanepi on the opening day of WTA Charleston, as some of the top women play the Charleston Open. We have predictions for every first-round match Including Ana Konjuh vs Linda Fruhvirtova.
Katarina Zavatska vs Yue Yuan
Zavatska has only played one match this year, returning from injury, Yuan qualified for Miami but has struggled all season otherwise. This match is an enigma, Yuan is the more reliable choice at the moment but it could go either way. Yuan in 2
Sachia Vickery vs Amanda Anisimova
Vickery has found some success at the ITF level, Anisimova has struggled since reaching the second week of the Australian Open. Despite poor form, losing to Vickery would still come as a surprise for Anisimova, she’s a much higher ranked player for a reason and Vickery is well off her best tennis. Anisimova in 2
Shelby Rogers vs Kaia Kanepi
The pair have split meetings, Rogers won the last meeting in 2021, the American put together a 4-2 record on the sunshine double (Indian Wells and Miami), which was matched by Kanepi who did the same. This is a quality round 1 match, on this surface I would give Kanepi a very slim edge but it should go the distance. Kanepi in 3
Heather Watson vs Claire Liu
Watson is playing somewhat well, Liu has struggled to break through and make a mark on the WTA Tour this year, both players could use the confidence boost of this win, Watson is in the draw as a lucky loser. I still think she wins this match. Watson in 2
Magdalena Frech vs Petra Kvitova
Frech is playing competitive tennis, Kvitova reached the quarterfinals in Miami, though she’s not playing quite up to her elite standards right now, getting a round 1 win against her Polish opponent looks easily achievable. Kvitova should start her campaign strong. Kvitova in 2
Shuai Zhang vs Francesca Di Lorenzo
Di Lorenzo qualified, an impressive showing for a player well off their career best ranking. Zhang is 9-7 with a title this season, an upset is possible but I wouldn’t call it likely. Zhang should settle in and get a win to open the tournament. Zhang in 2
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