The Romanians continue to roll at the WTA 250 in Iasi with all three of them advancing to the quarterfinals. Second seed Jaqueline Cristian will face 2022 runner-up Panna Udvardy in what should be the match of the round. There are three other matches on the cards for the fifth day in Romania, and we offer our predictions on who will make it to the penultimate round.
WTA Iasi Day 5 Predictions
Jil Teichmann vs Simona Waltert
Head–to–Head: Teichmann 2 vs 0 Waltert
Jil Teichmann advanced to the quarterfinals in Iasi with a convincing victory over Maja Chwalinska to set up an all-Swiss encounter with Simona Waltert, who overcame Irene Burillo in straight sets.
Given the conditions here, the advantage lies with the higher-ranked Swiss, who will enter the match with more confidence, having defeated her compatriot in both of their two encounters on clay.
Prediction: Teichmann in 3
Irina-Camelia Begu vs Anna Siskova
Head–to–Head: First Meeting
Irina-Camelia Begu rallied to overcome Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva and secure a place in the quarterfinals and will face Anna Siskova, who continued her surprising run with a brilliant 6-3 6-3 victory over third seed Ann Li.
The Czech player has been imposing after coming through the qualifying rounds, making this a tricky tie for the Romanian. A doubles specialist with limited achievements in singles, she has defied expectations at this tournament and with the way she’s playing, she’s truly capable of an upset.
Prediction: Siskova in 3
Sorana Cirstea vs Maria Lourdes Carle
Head–to–Head: First Meeting
Maria Lourdes Carle beat 2024 finalist Elina Avanesyan to advance to the quarterfinals in Iasi and will now compete against local favorite Sorana Cirstea, who upset fifth seed Varvara Gracheva.
In their first encounter, expect Cirstea, who has yet to drop a set this week, to continue her impressive performance in front of her home crowd.
Prediction: Cirstea in 2
Jaqueline Cristian vs Panna Udvardy
Head–to–Head: First Meeting
Jaqueline Cristian has plenty left in her reserves as she advances deep into the Iasi tournament in pursuit of a title on her home ground. The Romanian was ahead 4-1 when Jana Fett had to withdraw, granting the second seed an easy trip to the quarterfinals against Panna Udvardy, who ended Francesca Jones‘ run on clay in a solid upset.
This will be their first encounter, and it’s difficult to overlook Cristian, who has demonstrated strong performance on clay this season, is well-rested, and seems to be enjoying the opportunity to compete on home soil.
Prediction: Cristian in 2
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images