Former World No. 2 Paula Badosa will be in action in the second round of the WTA Sao Paulo Open. The Spaniard is seeking to reach her second Tour-level quarterfinal of the season. Who will advance?
WTA Sao Paulo Day 4 Predictions
Eva Lys vs Nadia Podorska
Head-to-head: Lys 1-0 Podoroska
It has been a dismal season for Eva Lys, but her comeback win over Gabriela Ce should lift her spirits. Lys was a game away from defeat and now has a second chance in this tournament. Nadia Podoroska knocked out Lucrezia Stefanini in straight sets for her first Tour-level win of the season. Lys won their only head-to-head meeting emphatically a couple of seasons ago. That came on clay, which should be Podoroska’s strongest surface, yet the Argentine finished second-best. The German should be a stronger favorite again.
Prediction: Lys in 2
Kaitlin Quevedo vs Nauhany Vitoria Leme Da Silva
Head-to-head: first meeting
Kaitlin Quevedo notched her 35th win of the season in a 6-0 6-2 rout of Anastasia Tikhonova. The Spaniard is on the cusp of a Top 100 return. Nauhany Leme Da Silva beat Australia’s Astra Sharma to retain Brazil’s interest in this tournament. Since her return to action in late July, Leme Da Silva has now won six of her past eight matches. The Sao Paulo crowd should give her another lift, but Quevedo has already been tested extensively at Tour level and brings higher-level competition.
Prediction: Quevedo in 2
Anna Blinkova vs Vendula Valdmannova
Head-to-head: first meeting
Anna Blinkova recovered from losing the Barranquilla 125K final to win her opening match in Sao Paulo. The Russian beat Carol Young Suh Lee in straight sets to progress. Vendula Valdmannova came from a set down to beat home favorite Laura Pigossi 2-6 6-1 6-1. It was the Czech’s 41st win in all competitions this year. This should be an interesting and close match despite the gulf in rankings. Valdmannova is no pushover, and she’s been climbing the rankings rapidly this season. That said, the 18-year-old is still making the jump from the lower levels, and Blinkova’s considerable experience should be decisive.
Prediction: Blinkova in 3
Anna Blinkova hits to Amanda Anisimova during their second-round match at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., Friday, March 6, 2026. Image Credit: USA Today Network via Reuters Connect
Paula Badosa vs Jasmin Ortenzi
Head-to-head: first meeting
Paula Badosa is the most experienced player in the draw, and the Spaniard made a winning start at the Sao Paulo Open. She defeated Lithuania’s Justina Mikulskyte in straight sets. Jasmin Ortenzi had a comfortable afternoon in beating Chloe Paquet. She dropped just five games in what was her first Tour-level hard-court win. That said, Badosa has a far more established hard-court resume and should be able to get on top of the rallies in this match as she continues her slow but steady resurgence.
Prediction: Badosa in 2
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports