The round of 16 matches will be played on Day 4 of the Credit One Charleston Open, and as always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for all the matches. This article features top seed Jessica Pegula, who will take on Elisabetta Cocciaretto of Italy. But which players will advance to the quarterfinals?

WTA Charleston Day 4 Predictions
Peyton Stearns vs McCartney Kessler

Head-to-Head: first meeting

Peyton Stearns defeated compatriot Ashlyn Krueger in a closely fought two-setter and will face another American in the third round. Stearns has struggled with consistency this season and will be looking to put up another solid performance. McCartney Kessler made light work of the talented Janice Tjen and, in doing so, won consecutive main draw matches on clay for the first time in her career. This performance should give her a lot of confidence, but Stearns is much more experienced on this surface.

Prediction: Stearns in 3

Diana Shnaider vs Leylah Fernandez

Head-to-Head: Shnaider 2-2 Fernandez

This is the only third-round encounter consisting of two top-10 seeds, and I expect a close match. Diana Shnaider has not been in form since the Australian Open, and it showed in her second-round performance. She got broken six times and won just 49% of her first serves. On the other hand, Leylah Fernandez won her second-round match easily but has lost to Shnaider in their two previous meetings. This is their first match on clay, and Shnaider’s record is better on this surface.

Prediction: Shnaider in 3

Belinda Bencic vs Sara Bejlek

Head-to-Head: first meeting

#3 seed Belinda Bencic had a stern opponent in the opening round. But this tournament brings out the best in her, and that’s what she needed to stop a very good Dayana Yastremska. This was a high-quality match and will help Bencic going forward. Sara Bejlek lost just two games in the second round, and her defense and grit should make this an interesting match. However, I will lean towards the former champion.

Prediction: Bencic in 2

Jessica Pegula vs Elisabetta Cocciaretto

Head-to-Head: Pegula 1-1 Cocciaretto

Top seed Jessica Pegula came back from a set down to defeat the gritty Yulia Putintseva and book her spot in the round of 16 for the sixth consecutive appearance. Pegula has lost just four matches this season, and three of them to Elena Rybakina. If she can display her best tennis, she will be the favourite to defend her title. Elisabetta Cocciaretto will be another tough test, but Pegula should come through once again.

Prediction: Pegula in 3

Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images