After a washed-out Day 1 at WTA Sao Paulo, we have a jam-packed slate of Round of 32 matches all across the board on Day 2. Weather permitting, the first round of the tournament should be in the books by the end of the day’s play. As always, we here at LWOT will be predicting every match for you, but who do you think will win?
WTA Sao Paulo Day 2 Predictions
Teodora Kostovic vs Victoria Luiza Barros
Head-to-head: First meeting
In her opening match in Sao Paulo, youngster Teodora Kostovic will have to test her baseline power game against a player even younger than her, Victoria Luiza Barros, who received a wildcard to play in front of her home fans. While this match will be invaluable experience for the Brazilian, it is likely that Kostovic will get through this match on the back of her having spent more time on tour.
Prediction: Kostovic in 3
Lucrezia Stefanini vs Nadia Podoroska
Head-to-head: Stefanini 0-1 Podoroska
Aug 6, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Nadia Podoroska (ARG) reacts after winning a point against Karolina Pliskova (CZE) in first round play at Sobeys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Although her two-handed game on both wings can be rushed on faster surfaces, Lucrezia Stefanini still has plenty of consistency from the back of the court. This is a match against Nadia Podoroska that will be played primarily from the baseline, as the Argentine herself relies on her point construction. I am not sure if Podoroska is ready physically for what could be a battle, making me give the edge to Stefanini here.
Prediction: Stefanini in 3
Darja Semenistaja vs Hayu Kinoshita
Head-to-head: Semenistaja 1-0 Kinoshita
In her second life at the WTA Sao Paulo tournament, Hayu Kinoshita will look to bring her high-paced baseline game to overwhelm the more defensive player, Darja Semenistaja. Both of these players faced off in the US Open qualifiers three weeks ago, where Semenistaja won rather comfortably. With a short turnaround between these matches, I expect a similar result here.
Prediction: Semenistaja in 2
Eva Lys vs Gabriela Ce
Head-to-head: First meeting
Trying to build on her 2025 season, Eva Lys’s year so far has been influenced by injuries quite a bit, as she enters WTA Sao Paulo in search of some valuable ranking points. Up against a local player in Gabriela Ce, the German should have the crowd against her, but on the court, her counterpunching style should give her more than enough to win this match.
Prediction: Lys in 2
Main Photo Credit: Reuters Connect