The WTA Credit One Charleston Open moves into the second round on Wednesday with several intriguing matches on the green clay of Daniel Island. For some players this is their first real test on clay in 2026, so movement, rally tolerance, and how quickly they adapt to the slower surface could make a big difference. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the schedule. But who will advance?

WTA Charleston Day 3 Predictions
Yuliia Starodubtseva vs Ekaterina Alexandrova

Head-to-Head: First meeting

Starodubtseva looked impressive in her opening win, cruising past Shuai Zhang in straight sets. She has shown she can compete at this level on her good days. Alexandrova, however, has been one of the steadier performers on tour this season and brings a higher ranking and more consistent baseline power. She handles pressure situations well and should be able to dictate play from the back of the court on the green clay.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 2

Peyton Stearns vs Ashlyn Krueger

Head-to-Head: Stearns 1–0 Krueger 

Both Americans come in with decent recent hard-court results and are making their first big clay step of the year. Krueger had a strong run to the semifinals in Austin with good serving and controlled aggression. Stearns went even further that week, reaching the final, and has shown a slightly steadier all-round game lately. Her heavy topspin forehand and solid movement should adjust nicely to the slower conditions here.
Prediction: Stearns in 2

Leylah Fernandez vs Polina Kudermetova

Head-to-Head: First meeting

Fernandez arrives as the ninth seed but has had a tough start to 2026 with a 3-8 record and no clay matches yet this season. Kudermetova earned her spot through qualifying and looked sharp winning two matches to reach the main draw–that extra court time and rhythm can be valuable on clay. Still, Fernandez has more experience at this level and her left-handed serve plus all-court variety tend to work well on the green clay when she finds her timing. 
Prediction: Fernandez in 2

Jessica Pegula vs Yulia Putinsteva

Head-to-Head: Pegula 3–0 Putinsteva 

Putintseva showed her fighting spirit by beating Lulu Sun in the first round and is always a tricky, scrappy opponent who can make matches uncomfortable. Pegula, the defending champion, has been in strong form throughout the season and has won all three of their previous meetings. Even though those were on hard courts, her solid baseline game and ability to stay steady under pressure should serve her well on clay too.
Prediction: Pegula in 2

Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images