The first WTA Iasi round-of-16 contests will be played on day three in Romania on what promises to be an entertaining day of tennis. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate, but who will book their spot in the WTA Iasi quarterfinals?
WTA Iasi Day 3 Predictions
Jil Teichmann vs Maja Chwalinska
Head-to-head: first meeting
Both players recovered from losing the first set to triumph in the opening round. Jil Teichmann, who has reached the fourth round of the French Open in 2022, possesses a more impressive CV than Maja Chwalinska. The Swiss player’s form since winning a Challenger Tour event in Mumbai in February has been patchy, but Chwalinska’s has generally been even worse. Teichmann getting through this match is the most likely outcome.
Prediction: Teichmann in 2
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Ann Li vs Anna Siskova
Head-to-head: first meeting
World #406 Anna Siskova secured a thrilling victory against Katarzyna Kawa to open her account at WTA Iasi. However, her run looks like it will end here in the second round. The Czech simply will not be used to playing against a forehand as formidable as Ann Li’s. Siskova’s chances of surviving against that shot and imposing her game on Li are slim. This should be a comfortable day at the office for the American.
Prediction: Li in 2
Irina-Camelia Begu vs Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva
Head-to-head: Begu 1-0 Kasintseva
34-year-old Irina-Camelia Begu is not in her prime anymore, but still produces a lot of solid tennis, especially on the clay and will also have the backing of her home crowd. Victoria Jimenz Kasintseva also likes competing on the dirt, and a WTA 250 on it represents her best chance of making a breakthrough. Still, Begu’s experience should mean that she is better equipped to maintain a consistent level throughout the match. A victory for the talented 19-year-old would not be a significant surprise, though.
Prediction: Begu in 3
Sorana Cirstea vs Varvara Gracheva
Head-to-head: Cirstea 2-0 Gracheva
Sorana Cirstea got her first singles win since March in the opening round against compatriot Mihaela Buzarnescu. This could be a tight battle. Although Varvara Gracheva is inconsistent, her best level can be very dangerous. Cirstea also sometimes freezes in front of supportive crowds, evidenced by the 35-year-old never reaching a WTA final on home soil. Gracheva’s clean hitting have a decent chance of leaving the Romanian fans disappointed.
Prediction: Gracheva in 3
Main photo credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
