Yulia Putintseva is preparing to compete in the WTA 500 in Charleston, which marks the beginning of the clay swing after almost nine months of hard court tennis.
Putintseva to Face Sun in Opening Round
Yulia Putintseva will face Lulu Sun in the opening round. Lulu Sun’s left-handed angles and court craft can make her dangerous, particularly on faster surfaces.
However, on clay, those strengths are likely to be neutralised. Yulia Putintseva will have more time to implement her counterpunching and disruptive style.
It is predicted that Putintseva will win in two sets.
Other Day 1 Matches
Several other matches are scheduled for Day 1. Anna Bondar is set to face Darja Vidmanova. Vidmanova is known for her NCAA success, built around a power-based game.
Bondar will test her resilience from the baseline and will not hesitate to extend rallies and make them physical. Bondar is predicted to have the edge due to her variety and proven options on clay and is expected to win in two sets.
Akasha Urhobo, who impressed in qualifying, will face Solana Sierra. Sierra is a capable clay-court player who can turn the match into a battle of patience. Sierra is predicted to win in three sets.
Elvina Kalieva, who made it through as a lucky loser, will play McCartney Kessler. Kessler brings an aggressive all-court style. Kalieva may just edge this one, with a sense of freedom and confidence, and is predicted to win in three sets.
The WTA 500 in Charleston is being played on unique green clay conditions.