Eight matches are scheduled on a very busy day second day of the WTA 250 event in Cluj-Napoca. Four of those are predicted here, with former Wimbledon semifinalist Tatjana Maria one of those in action. We at LWOT have a separate article with predictions for the other four contests in Cluj-Napoca – including Karolina Pliskova vs Sinja Kraus. Which players do you expect to win on day 2 in Cluj-Napoca?
WTA Cluj-Napoca Day 2 Predictions
Alize Cornet vs Yanina Wickmayer
Head-to-Head: Wickmayer 1-0 Cornet
This is an interesting battle of the 34-year-old veterans. Wickmayer was a US Open semifinalist all the way back in 2009, while Cornet is a former Australian Open quarterfinalist. However, both players are far past their respective primes. Wickmayer is still in the Top 100, while a loss of form and injuries mean Cornet is currently just outside the Top 100. The Frenchwoman did qualify to make this stage, but I am backing Wickmayer to prevail. The Belgian has started the season slowly, but her big-hitting should hit through Cornet, who is not as athletic as she used to be.
Prediction: Wickmayer in 2
Jaqueline Cristian vs Miriam Bulgaru
Head-to-Head: Cristian 1-0 Bulgaru
There will be split loyalties in the stands as two Romanians face each other. Cristian is the player with more experience at WTA main draw level. Bulgaru is close to her highest ranking, but she is still far outside the Top 100 at the moment. Cristian’s form has been patchy, although she did get a valuable first-round victory in Linz last week, having come into the main draw as a lucky loser. Although Cristian’s level can be inconsistent, she is the favourite to prevail against Bulgaru. Her explosive game is likely to overwhelm her compatriot if it is firing at all.
Prediction: Cristian in 2
Tamara Korpatsch vs Elina Avanesyan
Head-to-Head: Avanesyan 2-1 Korpatsch
Korpatsch is the defending champion in Cluj-Napoca. She had a terrific and unexpected run at the event just a few months ago to end her season in style. The German will undoubtedly be happy to return to the scene of her first WTA title so soon after that moment. But this is a tough first round for her. Avanesyan is playing her first tournament since a run to the third round of the Australian Open. This included a win against last year’s Guadalajara champion Maria Sakkari. Expect this to be tight, but my instinct is Korpatsch’s title defence could have a premature end here.
Prediction: Avanesyan in 3
Tatjana Maria vs Zhuoxuan Bai
Head-to-Head: Maria 1-0 Bai
Maria has won the opening round at all three events she has contested so far this season. Despite that, she will be looking to bounce back after two very disappointing sets in her second-round clash in Hua Hin against Katie Volynets, having won the opening set. Bai also lost in the second round in Hua Hin, having claimed the opening set in her contest with Arina Rodionova. Maria is just five places below her career-high ranking, and I expect her to prevail here. Her variety and craftiness are likely to be a bit too much for Bai.
Prediction: Maria in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – USA TODAY Sports
