On the first day of main draw action at the 2023 WTA Credit One Charleston Open, Elena Svitolina will be back on the court for the first time since giving birth to her daughter. How will the former World No. 3 fare against Yulia Putintseva? As always, we also predict the rest of the day’s matches. We split them between this and three other articles. One features Jil Teichmann vs Linda Fruhvirtova, the second highlights Sloane Stephens vs Louisa Chirico, and the third features Anna Kalinskaya vs Anhelina Kalinina. Who do you think will advance?
WTA Charleston Day 1 Predictions
Kaia Kanepi vs Madison Brengle
Head-to-head: Kanepi 1-0
Kaia Kanepi really needs a win right now as she’s lost her last five matches dating back to January. She was a bit unlucky during the Sunshine Double, running early into the always-dangerous Camila Giorgi and Aliaksandra Sasnovich. Both times she’s played this event, she made it to the third round. Madison Brengle isn’t that much of a threat (especially at this stage of her career), but she is extremely consistent and makes you play a ton of balls. Kanepi will need to prove she hasn’t been that out of it recently.
Prediction: Kanepi in 2
Aliaksandra Sasnovich vs Sofia Kenin
Head-to-head: 1-1
Sofia Kenin has finally managed to get some form going, but she still mixes up terrible showings with good performances. She won’t be happy to see Aliaksandra Sasnovich in her draw as the Belarusian is one of the players most capable of upsets on the WTA circuit. Her previous two appearances in Charleston weren’t that impressive though and she’s only won five matches in eight events to kick off the year. This is a good opportunity for Kenin to get another important win on the board.
Prediction: Kenin in 2
Elina Svitolina vs Yulia Putintseva
Head-to-head: Svitolina 6-2
The only time these two have played on clay courts, Elena Svitolina won 1-6 7-5 9-7 in a crazy match at Roland Garros. No one really knows what to expect here with the Ukrainian featuring in her first tournament since giving birth. The 28-year-old will have plenty of rust to shake off after not playing for a bit over a year. Yulia Putintseva hasn’t produced any memorable results so far in 2023, but at least she’ll definitely be in a better match rhythm.
Prediction: Putintseva in 3
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
