Emma Navarro is one of several American players scheduled to play on Day 3 of the Charleston Open. This article predicts Navarro and Peyton Stearns’ matches, as well as Diana Shnaider vs. Polina Kudermetova. The other contests on the third day are predicted in separate articles, including Jessica Pegula vs Iryna Shymanovich, Belinda Bencic vs Sofia Kenin, and Qinwen Zheng vs Maria Sakkari.
WTA Charleston Day 3 Predictions
Diana Shnaider vs Polina Kudermetova
Head-to-head: Shnaider 1-1 Kudermetova
Kudermetova’s level in her run to the final of the Brisbane International at the start of 2025 means her chances can never be entirely ruled out. Having said that, Diana Shnaider will probably be most confident of avoiding an upset on clay. Kudermetova played well against Irina-Camelia Begu in the opening round, but she is still more natural on hard courts. Shnaider won titles on all surfaces in 2024 and has already proven she is an all-court player. The sixth seed will probably be more consistent over the match to win.
Prediction: Shnaider in 2
Peyton Stearns vs Ajla Tomljanovic
Head-to-head: First meeting
Tomljanovic overcame a slow start in the opening set against Kyoka Okamura to set up this matchup. The two-time Wimbledon quarterfinalist almost certainly needs to perform better against Stearns to have a realistic chance. Tomljanovic’s primary strength is her backhand, and dominating in that area is key to her hopes. Stearns’s usually solid level in that area makes that a challenging prospect, and the American hopes to control enough points with her forehand to control most of the points. The home favorite is backed to win a competitive match that could contain many brutal rallies.
Prediction: Stearns in 3
Emma Navarro vs Hailey Baptiste
Head-to-head: Navarro 2-1 Baptiste
Baptiste’s sole victory against Navarro was close to seven years ago. The higher-ranked American easily won their most recent meetings in 2021 and 2023, and her game has improved substantially since then. It is challenging to see where Baptiste can hurt Navarro. The world No. 90 does not possess overwhelming firepower, and Navarro’s athleticism and variety are superior. A Baptiste upset would be among the most surprising results so far this season.
Prediction: Navarro in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
