WTA Charleston Open Round-Up Day Two | Bianca Andreescu and Paula Badosa win on return, Bencic forced to work hard
WTAWednesday, 01 April 2026 at 03:03
The WTA Charleston Open continues to take shape in the second round, with Bianca Andreescu, Paula Badosa, Anna Kalinskaya and McCartney Kessler among the notable winners advancing toward the Round of 16, while Belinda Bencic was pushed to a three-set test. Day Two in Charleston again highlighted how clay conditions are influencing match dynamics, with extended rallies, return pressure and break-point efficiency proving decisive across multiple courts.
Several matches at the Charleston Open were defined by momentum swings and conversion rates on key points, particularly in contests featuring multiple service breaks. While seeded players largely held their ground, performances from former top-ranked players such as Andreescu and Badosa reinforce their positioning as contenders, as the draw gradually narrows toward the Round of 16.
Andreescu overturns early deficit against Galfi
Bianca Andreescu def. Dalma Galfi 1-6, 6-4, 6-1
Bianca Andreescu recovered from a one-sided opening set to reach the next round. Galfi dictated early with variation and height, taking advantage of Andreescu’s unstable service games and building a quick lead through consistent pressure on second serves. The Hungarian won five consecutive games before closing the first set, being widely dominant.
However, things would change toward the second set, in which Andreescu raised her effectiveness on first serve – from 40% to 65% – and maintained constant pressure on her opponent’s serve. She missed up to six break points at the start of the set, but ended up converting her chances in the final games, closing it 6-4.
In the decider, the former US Open champion showed her hierarchy, taking control of the momentum from the start. The Canadian won five consecutive games before closing out the victory that sends her into the next round. She now faces Sofia Kenin, with a potential path toward the Round of 16 opening.
Badosa progresses with structured performance
Paula Badosa def. Kayla Day 6-4, 6-3
Badosa advanced in straight sets, though the opening phase featured frequent breaks from both players. Day initially disrupted rhythm with aggressive returning, but Badosa adjusted by extending rallies and limiting early errors from the baseline. The former world No. 2 achieved four breaks, compared to three from Day in the first set, closing a true rollercoaster to take the lead.
In the second set, both players achieved greater stability on serve, with Day forced to fight to hold, saving break points in her early service games, but Badosa was unable to move ahead. It was only in the sixth game that the Spaniard took the advantage – after being quite efficient on serve – and from there she held firmly to her service games.
A single break decided the second set, in which the Spaniard won 94% of points on first serve and saved the only break point she faced. Badosa secures her place in the next round, where a high-level clash awaits against former world No. 3 Maria Sakkari.
Kalinskaya advances despite serve inconsistencies
Anna Kalinskaya def. Viktoriya Tomova 6-2, 6-4
Kalinskaya secured a straight-sets win in a match where both players struggled to hold serve consistently. Early exchanges were dominated by return games, with Tomova creating opportunities but failing to sustain pressure across consecutive service games. The Bulgarian took an early break, but showed weaknesses on serve that she never managed to correct.
The key adjustment came from Kalinskaya increasing aggression on second-serve returns, allowing her to take control of short rallies. She stepped inside the baseline more frequently, forcing Tomova into defensive positions and reducing her ability to reset points. Kalinskaya lost her opening service game, but then won six of the next seven games to take a comfortable set 6-2.
In the second set, Tomova again struggled on serve. After an opening phase where both players held, Kalinskaya produced up to four consecutive breaks – while Tomova “only” managed three in the set. In 10 games there were seven breaks, and Kalinskaya ultimately took the lead despite the inconsistency on her own serve – winning just 48% of service points, although still better than Tomova’s 40%.
Krueger holds off McNally in all-American clash
Ashlyn Krueger def. Caty McNally 6-4, 1-6, 6-3
Krueger advanced after a fluctuating three-set match featuring momentum swings. From the opening game, it was clear a rollercoaster was coming, after Krueger saved up to five break points at the very start of the match. The world No. 103 later secured four consecutive breaks to take the set 6-4.
McNally responded in the second set by increasing return pressure and shortening rallies, disrupting Krueger’s rhythm. She secured four consecutive breaks – while dropping serve only once – forcing a decider after a dominant 6-1 set.
However, Krueger adjusted by improving first-serve placement in the final set, and an early advantage proved key as she then held firmly on serve. McNally was unable to recover from the early deficit – despite having chances to level – and Krueger closed out the win, setting up another all-American clash, this time against 17th seed Peyton Stearns.
Bencic holds firm after late third-set push
Belinda Bencic def. Dayana Yastremska 6-2, 6-7, 6-3
Belinda Bencic showed her hierarchy on the green clay of Charleston, overcoming a resilient Yastremska. From the start, the Swiss was generating break opportunities, although it took her several games to convert them. It was only in the fifth game – on her sixth break chance – that she took the lead, going on a run of five consecutive games to claim the opening set.
It appeared to be a straightforward day for the former Olympic gold medallist, but Yastremska did not go away. The Ukrainian had recorded up to seven double faults and just 49% of points won on serve in the first set, improving that figure to 67% in the second. She came back from a break down to push the set into a tie-break, where she prevailed to force a decider.
There, Bencic became stronger on serve, maintaining consistency and waiting for her opportunity. She moved ahead to 4-1, and although Yastremska recovered one break to close the gap to 4-3, the closing stages tilted toward the Swiss world No. 12, who secured a late break and finished with her serve. A strong win for the 2022 Charleston champion, who will face teenager Sara Bejlek (13th seed) in the third round.
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