Twelve months ago Sabalenka beat Pegula in the final but the pair could meet in the semi finals this time around if they are able to win their respective quarter final matches. Looking ahead would be silly as they are taking on proven performers at this level with Krejcikova and Vondrousova being major champions.
Pegula was hard on it from the opening points against Ann Lin and never let up in a 6-1 6-2 win. She is yet to drop a set and has not been tested. Krejcikova on the other hand has been in the trenches in her last two matches – coming from a set down on each occasion. Most impressively, she has completed these comebacks against Americans. She won a single game in the opening set against Townsend but as she so often does, Krejcikova leaned on her serve and variety to turn the match into her favour. This is not a one-off as she has won 9 of the last 10 third and deciding sets she has contested. Moreover, it is a brand of tennis that has helped her beat Pegula in their last two meetings. Believe this one will go the distance and that is where Krejcikova plays her best tennis.
Bet: Over 21.5 games ($1.91)
Value: Sets Krejcikova 2-1 ($6.00)
It should come as a surprise that Sabalenka is starting to play her best tennis. Major champions save their best tennis for the second week of the Grand Slams and she will need to be at here best here as Vondrousova is a major champion in here own right. She put on a serving performance for the ages in the win over Rybakina in a match that will serve as the ideal preparation for a battle with Sabalenka. There has been nothing between them in the series with Sabalenka holding a narrow 5-4 lead. It was 4-4 heading into their recent battle in Cincinnati but don’t be fooled by the score which shows a straight sets win for Sabalenka as Vondrousova had her chances but went 0 from 12 on break point opportunities. A slight improvement in that department will see Vondrousova win a set and anything better than that makes her a bet for the win.
Bet: Vondrousova To Win A Set – YES ($1.85)
Value: Vondrousova WIN ($3.25)