The WTA Sao Paulo Open gets underway with a packed first-round slate, mixing local hopefuls, seasoned veterans, and rising names on the ITF circuit. Early rounds often bring a clash of momentum and experience, and this week’s draw offers plenty of both. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the schedule. But who will advance?
WTA São Paulo Day 1 Predictions
Arianne Hartono vs Solana Sierra
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Solana Sierra has quietly put together a solid year, earning results on both clay and hard courts, and comes into São Paulo as the No. 2 seed. Arianne Hartono has a versatile game but has struggled for wins in recent months, with her best form coming earlier in the season. They’ve never faced each other before, which makes this an intriguing clash of styles. If Sierra keeps her baseline game steady, she’ll take the first steps as she looks to regain the momentum that saw her storm into the Wimbledon fourth round. Still, Hartono’s ability to mix things up could make it tricky.
Prediction: Sierra in 2
Arina Rodionova vs Martina Okalova
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Arina Rodionova remains one of the Tour’s grittiest competitors, with her best results recently coming in qualifying runs and smaller WTA events. Okalova has made the draw through qualifying, which means she’s already got valuable match play under her belt. The two haven’t faced off before, so it’ll be about who adapts better to conditions on the day. Rodionova’s counterpunching skills usually hold up well in these situations, but Okalova’s confidence from her recent wins makes this a potential upset watch.
Prediction: Rodionova in 3
Victoria Luiza Barros vs Whitney Osuigwe
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Victoria Luiza Barros, another Brazilian wild card, has the crowd factor behind her but is still learning the demands of this level. Osuigwe, meanwhile, has been grinding it out on the ITF circuit, with her form fluctuating but her athleticism always keeping her competitive. The two are meeting for the first time, and it could be a battle of nerves as much as skill. Osuigwe’s edge in experience should count, though the home support might help Barros keep it closer than expected.
Prediction: Barros in 2
Leolia Jeanjean vs Janice Tjen
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Leolia Jeanjean has been playing steady tennis across surfaces, though she hasn’t had a deep run on hard courts in some time. Janice Tjen, coming in from the college system, has been climbing steadily and carries the energy of someone eager to prove herself. No previous meetings between the two, which keeps it unpredictable. Jeanjean’s experience at this level could prove decisive, but if Tjen serves well, she has the tools to stretch it into a long battle.
Prediction: Tjen in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
