It should be an entertaining start to the week on day one at the WTA Cluj-Napoca Open in Romania with six matches on the slate. As always, we are predicting every match on day one in Cluj-Napoca including Rebeka Masarova vs Noma Akugue Noha. But who will book their spot in the second round?
WTA Cluj-Napoca Day 1 Predictions
Miriam Bulgaru vs Ipek Oz
Head-to-head: first meeting
This is likely to be a very close match. Miriam Bulgaru is ranked #205, while Ipek Oz is currently #209. Also, Both players have had most of their success on clay. That is demonstrated by nearly all the ITF finals these two have reached coming on the dirt. However, Bulgaru has one advantage. The Romanian plays in front of her home fans in Cluj-Napoca.
This matchup would be too close to call at almost any other event. But Bulgaru’s results in Romania have often been good in the past. It seems that she thrives most with a home crowd and that will probably get the 25-year-old over the line against her Turkish opponent.
Prediction: Bulgaru in 3
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Ekaterina Makarova vs Kateryna Baindl
Head-to-head: first meeting
Kateryna Baindl has mostly struggled for wins in recent months. Since that run to the final in Budapest in July, a quarterfinal run in Prague is the only result of note for the 29-year-old. Could the Ukrainian be a victim of an upset in Cluj-Napoca? It is very unlikely. Ekaterina Makarova is ranked outside the Top 200.
But an even more important factor is Makarova being far more comfortable on clay. The Russian’s last six finals on the ITF Circuit were on the dirt, with the last of these coming in July. Makarova has had little success on hardcourts in the last few months. Expect Baindl to progress without much trouble in Romania but a deep run in Cluj-Napoca is still unlikely with her current form.
Prediction: Baindl in 2
Nikola Bartunkova vs Dayana Yastremska
Head-to-head: first meeting
2023 has not been very memorable for Dayana Yastremska. She has won very few main draw matches at WTA Tour events. Her highlight was a valuable title triumph at a WTA 125 tournament in Poland. This could be a dangerous matchup for Yastremska with Nikola Bartunkova is an extremely talented 17-year-old who has risen up the rankings very quickly.
A weary Yastremska, who may want 2023 to finish as quickly as possible may be in trouble if she is not focused. Ultimately, the Ukrainian is still much higher in the rankings and should have enough class against her very young opponent. However, do not be surprised if this is closer than many think.
Prediction: Yastremska in 3
Main photo credit: Angela Wilhelm / USA TODAY NETWORK
