WTA Charleston Day 4: Round of 16 Predictions, Pegula vs. Cocciaretto

Day 4 of the Credit One Charleston Open features the highly anticipated Round of 16 matches. As usual, we're providing our predictions for all the encounters, highlighting the clash between top seed Jessica Pegula and Italy's Elisabetta Cocciaretto. Who will secure their spot in the quarterfinals?

WTA Charleston Day 4 Predictions

Peyton Stearns vs McCartney Kessler

Head-to-Head: First meeting

This will be the first professional meeting between Peyton Stearns and McCartney Kessler. Stearns secured a hard-fought straight-sets victory over fellow American Ashlyn Krueger and now faces another compatriot. Having faced consistency issues this season, Stearns will aim for another strong showing. Kessler, meanwhile, easily dispatched Janice Tjen, marking her first time winning consecutive main draw matches on clay. While this boost of confidence is significant, Stearns possesses considerably more experience on this surface.

Prediction: Stearns in three sets

Diana Shnaider vs Leylah Fernandez

Head-to-Head: Shnaider 2-2 Fernandez

With their head-to-head record tied at 2-2, this third-round match features two top-ranked players and promises to be a tight contest. Diana Shnaider has struggled for consistent form since the Australian Open, a trend evident in her last match where she was broken six times and only landed 49% of her first serves. Conversely, Leylah Fernandez cruised through her second-round match. However, Shnaider has bested Fernandez in their last two encounters. This will be their inaugural match on clay, a surface where Shnaider generally boasts a stronger record.

Prediction: Shnaider in three sets

Belinda Bencic vs Sara Bejlek

Head-to-Head: First meeting

This marks the first encounter between Belinda Bencic and Sara Bejlek. Third seed Belinda Bencic faced a challenging opponent in her opening match. However, the Charleston tournament often brings out her best play, which proved crucial in overcoming the formidable Dayana Yastremska in a high-quality encounter. This victory should provide significant momentum. Sara Bejlek, who dominated her second-round match by dropping only two games, will bring strong defense and tenacity to the court. Despite Bejlek's promising form, the former champion Bencic is favored to advance.

Prediction: Bencic in two sets

Jessica Pegula vs Elisabetta Cocciaretto

Head-to-Head: Pegula 1-1 Cocciaretto

With their head-to-head tied at 1-1, top seed Jessica Pegula fought back from a set down to overcome the tenacious Yulia Putintseva, securing her place in the Round of 16 for the sixth consecutive time. Pegula has suffered only four losses this season, three of which were against Elena Rybakina. Should she maintain her top form, she remains the strong favorite to defend her title. While Elisabetta Cocciaretto will undoubtedly present a stern challenge, Pegula is expected to prevail.

Prediction: Pegula in three sets