Coco Gauff’s form is under scrutiny as she prepares to face Iva Jovic in the Round of 16 at the WTA Rome tournament.
Gauff’s Form and Jovic’s Chances
Gauff has been struggling to find her best tennis in what has been a difficult season. Even when she wins, it’s not easy, as evidenced by her recent tough three-set match against Solana Sierra in Rome.
Iva Jovic, in contrast, has scored two consecutive straight-set wins in Rome. She is in good form and will be aiming for another big upset, especially after Aryna Sabalenka, the World No. 1, was knocked out of the tournament.
The match is expected to be closely contested. Gauff’s forehand hasn’t been accurate, which can lead to struggles for her. Jovic is likely to make the match competitive, even if Gauff wins. A bet on Jovic +1.5 sets could offer good value.
Betting on Jovic +1.5 sets is considered a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Jovic +1.5 sets @2.05 @10Bet
Cirstea’s Confidence After Sabalenka Win
Sorana-Mihaela Cirstea is riding high after beating a World No. 1 player for the first time in her career this past Saturday. She recovered from 6-2, 2-0 down against Aryna Sabalenka to win 7-5 in the third set. Cirstea repeatedly broke Sabalenka’s serve to achieve one of her most memorable victories.
Now, Cirstea faces Linda Noskova, a top-15 opponent who has been solid in Rome. Noskova is looking to build on her quarterfinal run in Madrid with another quarterfinal appearance in Italy.
Both players are performing well, but Cirstea’s victory over Sabalenka was particularly special. She will have a lot of confidence going into this match. Even if Cirstea loses the first set, she will know that she can mount a comeback, having already done so against Sabalenka. While Noskova deserves respect, Cirstea earned even more respect after defeating the World No. 1.
Betting on Cirstea winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Cirstea winning @2.14 @Pinnacle
Kalinskaya vs. Ostapenko
Anna Kalinskaya holds a 4-0 head-to-head record against Jelena Ostapenko. However, Ostapenko is the slight favourite.
The WTA Rome tournament Round of 16 continues, with seven of the eight matches on Sunday resulting in straight-set wins. Underdogs generally struggled, with Nikola Bartunkova’s upset of Madison Keys being the exception.
- Nikola Bartunkova beat Madison Keys in three sets.
- Seven of the eight matches were straight-set wins.
- The straight set wins were not closer than 6-4, 6-3.
The WTA’s Sunday schedule was surprisingly lopsided.
It remains to be seen whether the favourites will continue to dominate or if the underdogs will bounce back.