A 6-2 6-0 win for Costoulas over Quevedo was a surprise to say the least but was largely due to the performance of her opponent. Quevedo, already having the best week of her young career, was evidently fatigued. Costoulas made a mediocre 38% of 1st serves and that simply will not cut it against Jovic. That said, Jovic was broken 5 times by Bejlek which suggests the straight sets victory was far from routine. Jovic was a slow starter in her opening match against Knutson (lost first set) and was pushed in both sets by Bejlek. Costoulas has played some of the best tennis of her life this week and she will benefit greatly from the day off between matches. Can see his one going the distance and prefer being on the Over rather than taking Costoulas in the games handicap market.
We were on the money in their respective second round matches with the Overs hitting in Wang’s win over Zarazua and Kraus claiming a set against Jones. It wasn’t enough for her to beat the Brit who last faced off against Wang almost 10 years ago in the Girls’ Singles at Wimbledon. Wang won a tight three set contest, but we will not be using that match as a guide. Jones has played two long matches to get here and I believe that will be a factor – especially if they get into a third set. Like the way Wang was able to produce her best in the latter stages of both sets in her last match which is a sign that she is playing with confidence. Wang has won almost 45% of return points this week and anything close to that will see her move into the semi finals with relative ease.
Eala won the battle of the future stars to earn a spot in the final eight and a battle against Magda Linette. The veteran needed three sets to get past Cocciaretto and struggled consistently throughout the match. She was broken 5 times and won only 56% of points on serve. In contrast, Eala was not broken, won 63% of service points and a whopping 69% of return points. Linette holds a 2-0 advantage in this matchup, but these two players have gone in opposite directions since their most recent clash more than 6 months ago. Eala is improving with every match and there was a total of only 5 points between them last time they met. The youngster has improved considerably since – especially on serve where she is doing a better job of utilising the left-handed advantage. Backing her to progress.
Top seed Elina Svitolina is yet to drop a set and despite being in a close battle with Boulter, she was able to step up in the pivotal moments of both sets. It is a common trait of the top players and what will separate her and Kartal here. Their only prior meeting on the WTA Tour came on clay in Madrid last year with Svitolina a very comfortable 6-3 6-1 winner. Kartal had a field day against Seidel where she was able to win 77% of 2nd serve return points and will not enjoy the same success here. Svitolina has won more than 46% of 2nd serve points over the last two seasons and 50% for this tournament. Cannot see a path to victory for Kartal.