🎾 WTA Charleston: Alexandrova vs Li

🎾 WTA Charleston: Alexandrova vs Li – Match Preview

🧠 Form & Context

🟥 Ekaterina Alexandrova

• 🎢 Up-and-down year: Won Linz and reached the Doha SF (def. Sabalenka, Pegula), but has since gone 0–2 in Indian Wells and Miami.
• ⛔ Momentum dip: Losses to Kudermetova and Linette suggest her confidence may have taken a hit post-Doha.
• 🌿 Charleston pedigree: Semifinalist in 2023, though she’s also vulnerable to early exits on this surface.
• 💣 Dangerous seed: When she’s striking clean, her flat, aggressive game can dominate even on green clay.

🟩 Ann Li

• 📉 Breaking the slump: Snapped a four-match losing streak with a solid win over Blinkova in R1.
• 📈 Building back: Recent ITF results (Merida final, Macon W100 final, Barcelona SF) show some momentum at lower levels.
• 🌿 Clay struggles: 0–2 career vs Top-50 players on clay—still finding her footing on the surface.
• 🏠 Home support: Charleston crowd could boost her if she keeps points long and disrupts Alexandrova’s timing.

🔍 Match Breakdown

Alexandrova thrives on controlling tempo—hitting early, flattening her shots, and keeping points short. Charleston’s green clay can actually suit her style, allowing her to strike through the court if she’s confident.

Li will aim to extend rallies and force the Russian into uncomfortable positions, especially on the run. But unless Alexandrova misfires frequently, Li’s defensive baseline game might not have enough firepower to shift the balance.

With both players having something to prove, this could be closer than it looks on paper—especially if Alexandrova's service rhythm falters again.

🔮 Prediction

Pick: Alexandrova in 2 tight sets

If she starts clean and plays front-foot tennis, Alexandrova should power through. Li may keep it competitive, but her lack of high-level clay wins makes the upset a long shot.