WTA Charleston 2021: Women’s Draw Preview, Analysis and Prediction for Volvo Car Open

WTA Charleston 2021: Women’s Draw Preview, Analysis and Prediction for Volvo Car Open

WTA Charleston 2021: Ashleigh Barty, Garbine Muguruza

Volvo Car Open, a WTA 500 event will kickstart the clay court season. After the conclusion of the Miami Open 2021, all focus will shift to the red clay as players brace themselves up for some intense action on this ruthless surface. Ashleigh Barty, who lifted the title in Miami on Saturday enters the tournament as the top seed. Sofia Kenin and Garbine Muguruza are among the other top names. Madison Keys is the defending champion after she lifted the title in 2019, defeating Caroline Wozniacki in the finals.

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Tournament Details:

  • Tournament: Volvo Car Open 2021
  • Date: April 5-11, 2021
  • Number of Entrants: 56 (Singles), 16 (Doubles)
  • Venue: Charleston, USA
  • Surface: Clay Court
  • Prize Money: $565,530
  • Defending champion: Madison Keys

Top Seeds at the Volva Car Open 2021

  • Ashleigh Barty
  • Sofia Kenin
  • Petra Kvitova
  • Kiki Bertens
  • Belinda Bencic

WTA Charleston 2021: Draw Analysis and Prediction

Top Half

Ashleigh Barty, top seed at WTA Charleston 2021

The top half has the likes of Ashleigh Barty, Kiki Bertens and defending champion, Madison Keys. All three players have been awarded a bye in the first round. The top seed, Ashleigh Barty is expected to face Misaka Doi in the second round and will face a stern test in the third round, as she can face the American youngster, Amanda Anisimova. However, given her current form and her prowess on clay courts, she should book a quarterfinal berth with relative ease In the quarterfinals, she is expected to face Elena Rybakina who is another strong opponent on clay. However, Barty is expected to end her run in Charleston and book a semifinal berth.

Marketa Vondrousova has been handed a relatively easy draw. The 2019 French Open runner-up will face Tinea Babos in the first round, with a potential clash against Ajla Tomljanovic in the second round. Her first biggest test will come against Madison Keys in the third round, whom she will see off in a three set battle. Kiki Bertens also has a relatively easier draw, with her first challenge coming in the third round against Veronika Kudermetova. Bertens is now back from injury and should do well in Charleston. She will progress into the quarterfinals where she will face Vondrousova, who will end the Dutch’s run in the tournament.

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First Semifinal Prediction: Ashleigh Barty vs Marketa Vondrousova

Bottom Half

Sofia Kenin
Sofia Kenin

Garbine Muguruza has been in tremendous form this season, and also lifted the title in Dubai last month. The Spaniard and Petra Kvitova have both been handed easy draws and are expected to clash in the quarterfinals at Charleston. This will be a replay of the Qatar Open final last month, where the Czech defeated Muguruza in straight sets. However, the Spaniard is a quality player on clay courts and should avenge her loss.

Sofia Kenin, second seed at the tournament faces a tricky draw as she can face Coco Gauff in the third round in an all-American battle. However, Kenin was the runner-up at French Open last year and should do well this time as well. Elise Mertens, seventh seed at Volvo Car Open should manage to be the other quarterfinalist and will face Sofia Kenin for a place in the last four. The American should see off the Belgian in an intriguing battle and continue her good form..

Second Semifinal Prediction: Garbine Muguruza vs Sofia Kenin

Semifinals

Marketa Vondrousova

The first semifinal will be a replay of the French Open 2019 final, where Ashleigh Barty humbled Marketa Vondrousova in straight sets. The Australian is expected to continue her winning streak and defeat the Czech in straight sets to book a finals berth.

Garbine Muguruza and Sofia Kenin will clash in the semifinals of the Volva Car Open 2021. Muguruza is showing signs of her former self and looks all set to win atleast one Grandslam title this year. The two time Grandslam champion should defeat Sofia Kenin in a three set affair and set up a final clash against Ashleigh Barty.

Final Prediction: Garbine Muguruza vs Ashleigh Barty

Finals

Garbine Muguruza
Garbine Muguruza

Garbine Muguruza is one of the most ruthless players on the clay court surface. She has grown up playing on the red clay and is accustomed to it. The final will feature two French Open champions clash for the title. However, the Spaniard has most wins to her name this year and is expected to kick off her clay court season with a title.

To Lift the Title: Garbine Muguruza

Also Read: WTA Rankings 2021- Latest Women’s Tennis World Rankings post the Miami Open 2021