Day 1 of the clay swing kicks off in Charleston, as the WTA 500 event, played on green clay, gets underway following a grueling hard-court swing to start 2026. Despite several key withdrawals from the tournament, the lineup remains packed, and you can expect action from the very beginning, with Ajla Tomljanovic vs Donna Vekic headlining Day 1. As always, we will be providing predictions for every encounter, but who do you think will advance to the next round?
WTA Charleston Day 1 Predictions
Alycia Parks vs Mary Stoiana
Head-to-head: First meeting
This all-American clash sees two players looking to build momentum on clay in front of a home crowd. Mary Stoiana impressed in qualifying with improved court coverage and a solid backhand, but Alycia Parks possesses the higher upside. If Parks commits to her aggressive game and maintains confidence, she should have enough to advance.
Prediction: Parks in 3
Anastasia Zakharova vs Dayana Yastremska
Head-to-head: Yastremska 1-0 Zakharova
This match will likely hinge on how effectively Anastasia Zakharova can handle the powerful serve of Dayana Yastremska. Even on clay, that serve remains a major weapon. If Yastremska holds comfortably, she will generate enough chances on return. However, Zakharova enters with greater confidence and could turn the match in her favour if she maintains intensity and gets enough returns back into play.
Prediction: Zakharova in 3
Ajla Tomljanovic vs Donna Vekic
Head-to-head: Vekic 2-0 Tomljanovic
After a slow start to the season, Donna Vekic looked close to her best level in qualifying, progressing comfortably into the main draw. Ajla Tomljanovic will test her with aggressive baseline play, making this a matchup likely decided by who executes better from the back of the court and handles key moments. Given her higher peak level, Vekic gets the nod.
Prediction: Vekic in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
