Last year was supposed to be the Venus Williams farewell tour but it has suddenly been extended. She was victorious in only one of her five matches played last year and has registered just four wins in a period of 5+ years. There is some hope though as Linette has lost 8 of her last 9 matches including players ranked outsider the top 50. Venus was competitive in multiple matches and will always be able to rely on her serve to win points. Can see her winning a set so will be backing the Overs.
Svitolina is justifiably the top seed and has been extremely consistent since returning to the tour after becoming a mum. She has made the 3rd Round or better in 12 of her previous 13 major appearances including four quarter finals appearances and one run to the semi’s. Svitolina holds a 2-0 advantage in this series but will have to be close to her best to progress as Gracheva has been in great form. A run to the quarter finals of the WTA 1000 tournament in Cincinnati was a highlight but her wins have largely come against second tier opposition. She has not defeated a top 10 player since 2024 and although Svitolina is not currently in the top 10, she has been playing high quality tennis.
Eala burst onto the scene last year by winning a title in Guadalajara and making the finals in Eastbourne. The demands of the WTA Tour took their toll on her late in the season where she lost 6 of her final 7 matches. The offseason will have worked wonders and also provided her with the time required to make improvements on her game. Vekic has been on the wrong end of some heavy losses in the last 6 months when facing quality opposition – notably Gauff, Bucsa and Bencic. Really like Eala to get through this match.
Boulter v Starodoubseva: Starodoubtseva WIN ($2.05)
Kartal v Tjen: Tjen WIN (1.80)
Linette v Williams: Over 20.5 games ($2.00)
Osorio v Marcinko: Osorio WIN ($2.00)
Parks v Cocciaretto: Cocciaretto ($1.55)
Svitolina v Gracheva: Sets Svitolina 2-0 ($1.62)
Vekic v Eala: Eala WIN ($1.57)