No. 1 seed Elina Avanesyan and No. 2 seed Jaqueline Cristian will both be in action on Thursday at the WTA UniCredit Iasi Open. Can last year’s runner-up come out of a rough patch to produce another run at this venue? Meanwhile, Francesca Jones is on the verge of a Top 100 debut and faces Panna Udvardy. Who do you think will come out on top?
WTA Iasi Day 4 Predictions
Irene Burillo Escorihuela vs Simona Waltert
Head-to-head: Burillo Escorihuela 2-1
After meeting three times at the ITF level in 2018-22, it’s nice for these two that they’ll now get a chance to come up against each other on a bigger stage. Simona Waltert has been progressing more quickly and recently found herself close to a Top 100 debut. While Irene Burillo Escorihuela almost shocked eventual champion Elisabetta Cocciaretto in Bastad Round 1 last week, Waltert has taken her level up a notch since they last played. She should be able to show it on Thursday.
Prediction: Waltert in 2
Francesca Jones vs Panna Udvardy
Head-to-head: First meeting
Panna Udvardy made the final in Iasi two years ago, but back then the tournament was a WTA 125. While the Hungarian has kept herself in the mix over the last few seasons, she also hasn’t made much noticeable progress. Meanwhile, Francesca Jones might be taking the leap right now. The Brit raced to the title in Contrexeville last week and sits on the verge of debuting in the Top 100. Fatigue might come into play at some point this week, but for now she’s doing fine and riding the confidence wave.
Prediction: Jones in 3
Jana Fett vs Jaqueline Cristian
Head-to-head: Cristian 2-0
Jaqueline Cristian didn’t win a single match during the grass-court season, but that’s just not a surface she ever managed to master. Back on clay she should be feeling much more comfortable, and an easy opening-round draw allowed her a bit of time to find her footing. If she brings some of the level that saw her reach the Rabat final and then give Iga Swiatek a tough match at Roland Garros, Jana Fett won’t have that much to say in this one.
Prediction: Cristian in 2
Elina Avanesyan vs Maria Lourdes Carle
Head-to-head: Avanesyan 1-0
Elina Avanesyan was firing at this event last year, coming so close to the title and giving away a big lead against Mirra Andreeva. Before this week, the Armenian hadn’t won a match since Miami and is in desperate need of a run. In recent months she only appeared at the biggest events (WTA 1000s + Grand Slams) without getting any traction. The No. 1 seed is a quality player but she’ll need to bring the level here as Maria Carle is fully capable of taking advantage if she falters.
Prediction: Avanesyan in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports