WTA Sao Paulo Day 1 Predictions Including Ajla Tomljanovic vs Victoria Rodriguez

Day 1 at the WTA 250 in Sao Paulo promises an exciting mix of familiar faces and new talents looking to make their mark. The first round always has a bit of unpredictability, and this draw feels no different. Some players come in with plenty of match play behind them, while others will be hoping the change of scenery can spark a turnaround. Between home wild cards, proven veterans, and dangerous outsiders, there’s plenty to keep an eye on as the action kicks off.

WTA São Paulo Day 1 Predictions

Ana Sofia Sanchez vs Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah

Head-to-Head: first meeting

Ana Sofia Sanchez comes in with more Tour-level experience having been in the mix for main draw qualifying berths at the Majors in recent years, though she’s had a patchy run of results in those matches. Rakotomanga Rajaonah is still finding her footing at this level but has shown promise with a couple of good runs on the ITF circuit. Sanchez’s lefty game should give her some early openings, but if the Frenchwoman can settle in quickly, this could be closer than expected.
Prediction: Sanchez in 3

Carolina Alves vs Nauhany Vitoria Leme da Silva

Head-to-Head: first meeting

Carolina Alves, one of Brazil’s home hopes, has had a stop-start season but will be counting on local support to help push her through. The teenager Leme da Silva, playing with a wild card, is still very raw but has nothing to lose here. They haven’t met before, which adds an element of surprise. Alves’ experience should tell, but wildcards can sometimes ride the wave of the moment and make things interesting.
Prediction: Alves in 3

Julia Riera vs Vitalia Diatchenko

Head-to-Head: first meeting

Julia Riera has found wins harder to come by in recent weeks, coming into São Paulo looking to reset after a string of early exits. Vitalia Diatchenko, though not as active on tour this season, has shown flashes of her experience and ball-striking ability when she’s been able to string matches together. Riera’s movement and counterpunching can make her tough to hit through, but if Diatchenko controls the baseline exchanges, she’ll have the upper hand. This feels like one of those matches where the early momentum could decide everything.
Prediction: Diatchenko in 3

Ajla Tomljanovic vs Victoria Rodriguez

Head-to-Head: first meeting

Ajla Tomljanovic has been trying to build momentum after returning from a string of injuries, but had little success during the summer hard-court stretch. Victoria Rodriguez hasn’t had much success at this level recently either, with most of her wins coming at ITF events. Their only prior meeting was years ago at an ITF event, so it doesn’t offer much insight. On paper, the difference in tour experience is clear, but Rodriguez is dangerous when she gets into rhythm on her serve. Expect Tomljanovic to have to work for it if she’s not sharp from the start.
Prediction: Rodriguez in 3