The WTA Cleveland action continues with another busy day scheduled for Wednesday. French Open semifinalist Beatriz Haddad Maia and the American Peyton Stearns are among the 16 players hoping to progress to the quarterfinals. We at LWOT predict all the contests here and in a separate article, including Sofia Kenin vs Clara Burel.
WTA Cleveland Day 3 Predictions
Viktoriya Tomova vs Arantxa Rus
Head-to-head: Rus 2-1 Tomova
Both women came through in straight straights in the previous round. Tomova defeated Lauren Davis, while Rus saw off Lucia Bronzetti. Rus usually struggles outside of clay court tournaments, but the courts in Cleveland are not too quick, giving her a better chance. Tomova has been inconsistent and unpredictable this year, but her best game on a hard court is better than Rus’. The Bulgarian is backed to win, but this could go either way.
Prediction: Tomova in 3
Greet Minnen vs Ana Bogdan
Head-to-head: Bogdan 3-0 Minnen
These two met a few days ago in the qualifying round in Cleveland. Bogdan easily won that match, but Minnen entered the main draw as a lucky loser. The Belgian took full advantage by overcoming Jaqueline Cristian. Bogdan staged an impressive comeback from 1-6 4-5 down against the 2021 US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez. Minnen struggled with Bogdan’s gritty style a few days ago in Cleveland and their previous meetings. The Belgian’s clean hitting has a chance of winning when it is firing. However, the evidence indicates another Bogdan victory.
Prediction: Bogdan in 2
Peyton Stearns vs Sara Sorribes Tormo
Head-to-head: First meeting
Sorribes Tormo is the defending champion in Cleveland. The conditions in Ohio suit her style, which is one of the grittiest in the sport. She relies more on solid defense than just about any player. Can Stearns hit through the Spaniard? The American has proven she can beat defensive players in slow conditions this season by winning the Morocco Open on clay and defeating Daria Kasatkina at the French Open. This promises to be a long battle, but Stearns is narrowly favored to knock out the reigning champion.
Prediction: Stearns in 3
Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Cristina Bucsa
Head-to-head: Haddad Maia 3-0 Bucsa
Haddad Maia recovered from 0-5 in the second set of her opening match against Viktorija Golubic, saving an incredible seven set points. Bucsa’s style means she is always an awkward opponent to face. The Spaniard strikes the ball flatly off both sides, something Haddad Maia sometimes struggles against on her forehand. However, Bucsa will not enjoy facing the Brazilian’s heavy topspin when hitting her forehand. This is a matchup Bucsa has struggled with in the past, and changing her fortunes will be tough.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 2
Main Photo Credit: Jerry Lai – USA TODAY Sports
