The remaining WTA Cleveland opening round matches will be completed on Day 2. Top seed and former champion Liudmila Samsonova’s contest is among three predicted here. We here at LWOT cover the rest of the action, including Lois Boisson vs Jil Teichmann, in a separate article. But who will advance?
WTA Cleveland Day 2 Predictions
Hailey Baptiste vs Elena-Gabriela Ruse
Head-to-head: Baptiste 1-0 Ruse
Both women have struggled during the post-Wimbledon swing. Baptiste has managed one victory in four matches, while Ruse has yet to register a win. At her best, Baptiste is a better hard-court player than the Romanian. Ruse’s forehand, the most pivotal part of her game, is much more formidable on clay. If the American stays solid and does not panic in the rallies, she should navigate this challenge and reach the next round.
Prediction: Baptiste in 2
Lucia Bronzetti vs Viktorija Golubic
Head-to-head: First meeting
Each player performed well at their last event. Bronzetti defeated Jelena Ostapenko and Daria Kasatkina in her run to the Cincinnati Open round of 16, falling to French Open champion Coco Gauff at that stage. Golubic reached the final of a 125-level tournament in Warsaw, losing to Katerina Siniakova. However, that was over two weeks ago, and this contest will be the Swiss player’s first in North America before the US Open. Bronzetti’s form and being better acclimatized to playing in hot weather make her the favorite.
Prediction: Bronzetti in 2
Liudmila Samsonova vs Caroline Dolehide
Head-to-head: Samsonova 1-0 Dolehide
Samsonova decided to play in Cleveland after opening-round defeats at the Canadian Open and Cincinnati Open. Dolehide enters this match on a three-match losing streak. The top seed could be in trouble if her level is similar to a dreadful performance against Taylor Townsend in Cincinnati. Returning to a tournament she has won on a lower stage might suit her right now. Dolehide’s more conventional style compared to Townsend might also be a better matchup. Samsonova is expected to manage her opponent’s powerful forehand and progress.
Prediction: Samsonova in 2
Main Photo Credit: Jerry Lai – USA TODAY Sports
