Things did not go according to plan for several big names in the second round with Rybakina, Paolini and Ostapenko all heading for the exits. The duo of Swiatek and Andreeva have firmed in betting as a result but one player to watch is veteran Sorana Cirstea who continues to wind back the clock!
Their respective paths to the 3rd Round have been very different. Swiatek is yet to drop a set and has lost a total of only 8 games in four sets played. In contrast, Linette has already played six sets following two epic matches. It began with an upset win over Valentova where she was a match tiebreaker 11-9 and that was followed by a three set win over former champion Jelena Ostapenko. The underdog will need to produce her best to have any chance of winning but it is worth noting that she got the better of Swiatek in Miami earlier this year. Look for her to break serve multiple times as 6 of the games that Swiatek has lost in the tournament have been on her own serve. Overs.
Best Bet: Over 17.5 games ($2.20)
The draw has opened up for Cirstea and she will be capitalising on that opportunity. She was relentless in a 6-3 6-0 win over Lys and it is hard to see Sierra sopping her here. Their only prior meeting came at the US Open last year with Cirstea winning 7-5 6-0 which suggests that flipping the script will be very difficult. If Sierra falls behind by a set and a break for a second consecutive match there will be no comeback this time around. We will ride the Cirstea wave.
Best Bet: Cirstea -1.5 Sets ($1.75)
For the first time in her career Korpatsch is into the 3rd round of a Grand Slam. She has her word cut out for her here as Svitolina is in fine form. After a long battle in her first match, she came out with all guns blazing against Quevedo in a 6-0 6-4 win. She extended her win streak to 8 matches and can be forgiven for having one eye on a potential quarter final clash with Swiatek. Expecting her to be both laser-focused and dominant in her next two matches. She will cover the games handicap.
Best Bet: Svitolina -6.5 ($1.75)
With Rybakina being knocked out, the bottom quarter of the draw has Andreeva’s name written all over it. She holds a 4-0 advantage in the H2H against Bouzkova and has never lost a set against her. Andreeva was a comfortable 6-3 6-4 winner in their only other meeting on clay (Madrid last year) and highlights that anything but a win would be a disaster. This is arguably Andreeva’s best chance to win her maiden major and she cannot afford to play with any nerves. Must play her game and go for her shots. Her previous success against Bouzkova should see her play with complete freedom.
Best Bet: Andreeva -5.5 ($1.80)
Svitolina v Korpatsch: Svitolina -6.5 ($1.75)
Stearns v Bencic: Stearns +1.5 Sets ($1.87)
Kostyuk v Golubic: Under 18.5 ($1.70)
Linette v Swiatek: Over 17.5 games ($2.20)
Andreeva v Bouzkova: Andreeva -5.5
Teichmann v Muchova: Over 18.5 games
Sierra v Cirstea: Cirstea -1.5 Sets
Wang v Starodoubtseva: Starodoubtseva WIN