Big names lined up to play today in Charleston

Alona Ostapenko will play Shelby Rogers later today (photo by Daniel Ward)

Aryna Sabalenka, Anastasja Sevastova, 2015 finalist Madison Keys, 2011 champion Caroline Wozniacki, Elise Mertens, 2018 finalist Julia Goerges, Belinda Bencic, and 2017 finalist Alona Ostapenko are all playing today at the Volvo Car Open. In addition, Sonya Kenin, Danielle Collins and Shelby Rogers will be among the U.S. players taking to the green clay courts.

Of special interest (at least, to me) is the match-up featuring 5th seed Wozniacki and Laura Siegemund. Last night, Siegemund, in good form and up to her old tricks, defeated wild card Emma Navarro, who handled her WTA debut with skill and poise. Siegemund is a clay court player's clay court player, and has a drop shot that can slay. It will be fun to watch her take her game to the relentless and speedy Dane. They have played each other only once--this year, in Auckland. Wozniacki won that hard court match in straight sets.

Sonya Kenin will also be in action today (photo by Daniel Ward)

Another match of interest will be played by 2014 champion Andrea Petkovic and Maria Sakkari. This will be their first time to compete against one another.

Finally, Tatjana Maria will take on 8th seed Madison Keys, so a big contrast in styles will be on display.

The weather in Charleston has improved tremendously. The sun is shining, and it's currently a pleasant 60 degrees on Daniel Island.