We've got three picks from the first round of qualifying at the WTA Iasi Open today. Clay courts in Romania, a mix of ranked players and qualifiers, and a few results that feel pretty straightforward. Let's get into it.
WTA UniCredit Iasi Open Qualifying Predictions
Claire Liu vs Maria Sara Popa
Head-to-head: First meeting
Liu is ranked 315 spots above Popa and that gap is real. She's been a consistent presence on the WTA tour for years and knows how to handle clay qualifying matches without overcomplicating things. Popa is a local wildcard type at this level and there's nothing in her ranking to suggest she can trouble someone of Liu's experience.
Prediction: Liu in 2
Elina Avanesyan vs Emily Seibold
Head-to-head: Avanesyan 1-0 Seibold
Avanesyan already has the win over Seibold on the head-to-head and at 274 ranking spots above her, she's the clear favourite here. Seibold hasn't really broken through at this level and I don't see this being the day she does it. Avanesyan gets through comfortably.
Prediction: Avanesyan in 2
Zhibek Kulambayeva vs Lisa Zaar
Head-to-head: Kulambayeva 1-0 Zaar
This one's trickier. Kulambayeva holds the head-to-head win and actually has a higher ranking than you'd expect for someone seeded against a player ranked 162 spots above her. Zaar at 295 is the stronger player on paper and should have enough to come through, all things considered, but Kulambayeva clearly knows how to handle her and a one-set lead in any set could flip this quickly. That said, the three-setter feels right here.
Prediction: Zaar in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Rob Prange/AFP7 via ZUMA Press Wire