The ASB Classic boasts an impressive list of former champions including Serena Williams and Cori Gauff. Two other former winners who are in the draw this year are Sloane Stephens and Venus Williams who continues to defy the odds. Elina Svitolina and Emma Navarro headline the draw this year but those looking for value should consider Starodoubtseva at $41.
It was always going to be difficult for Navarro to back up here 2024 season where she posted a 14-4 record at the majors including a run to the semi finals of the US Open. She only managed 9 wins at Grand Slam level last year but she will look to make a winning start to the year. Jones won her first WTA Tour title last year on clay but has never won a Grand Slam match so will be behind the eight ball here. Navarro has had her troubles against genuine power hitters in the last 12-18 months but Jones does not fall into that category. Navarro will break serve multiple times per set so we will be backing her to cover the games handicap.
We have had to wait long to get a very good betting opportunity with Grabher incorrectly installed as the outsider against her fellow countrywoman. Their only meeting at WTA level came last year with Granher winning 6-0 5-7 6-3. Not only was Kraus on the wrong end of a bagel in the opening set but she also has three prior losses at ITF level against Granher leaving her with an 0-4 record in this series. Grabher plays her best tennis on clay but going to lean on her advantage in the H2H to get us over the line.
Stephens may be a major champion and former winner of the ASB Classic but has not been competitive in the last 6+ months. She has lost her last 12 competitive matches and 19 of her last 21. Losing 16 of the last 18 sets she has contested highlights her struggles and she will be getting no favours from Zarazua who is in career best form. The Mexican is 14-2 in her last 16 matches across all competitions which includes a title winning run in Austin in the tail end of last season. Cannot see Stephens being competitive here.
Jovic v Knutson: Sets Jovic 2-0 ($1.65)
Udvardy v Bejlek: Udvardy +3.5 ($1.85)
Costoulas v Osuigwe: Osuigwe WIN ($2.30)
Wang v McNally: Wang WIN ($2.00)
Kraus v Grabher: Grabher WIN ($1.95)
Jones v Navarro: Navarro -4.5 ($1.73)
Stephens v Zarazua: Under 19.5 games ($1.95)