Fernandez, Potapov and Li were the only seeded players from the top half that failed to make it through. No issues for the major contenders with Sabalenka, Pegula, Gauff and Andreeva all winning in straight sets. We take a close look at the quartet in our feature previews.
Sabalenka usually dominates headlines for her outstanding tennis and constant stream of titles. This time around prize money has been the topic but it did not detract from her firs round performance. She broke serve five times in a 6-3 6-2 win but that number is one short of Kessler who handed out a double bagel 6-0 6-0 against Oliynykova. A late bloomer, this is only the third full year on the WTA Tour for the 26-year-old but she has also claimed three titles. Recorded wins over Andreeva and Gauff last year and was a quarter finalist in Eastbourne last week. Can see her pushing Sabalenka in at least one of the sets.
Best Bet: Over 19.5 games ($1.92)
When Pegula skipped out to a 4-0 lead against Vidmanova it appeared as though it would be an easy day at the office. It was not the case as she was made to work hard in a 7-5 6-3 win. Expecting her to deliver a more consistent performance here as Sorribes Tormo does not play her best tennis on this surface. She has never made it past the 2nd Round in her 7 prior attempts with her best results having come on clay. This is the type of match that Pegula should not be dropping more than a handful of games – especially if wants to gain momentum and make a series challenge for the title.
Best Bet: Pegula -6.5 ($2.15)
Two years ago Krejcikova won the title here – claiming a second Grand Slam trophy. Has been dealing with a back injury since which contributed to first round losses at the Australian Open and French Open. Andreeva on the other hand has joined the Grand Slam winners club and despite being below her best against Linette, still managed to get through in straight sets. Holds a 3-1 edge in the H2H against Krejcikova but it is worth noting that Krejcikova retied hurt in two of them. She will try to use her court craft but the power and athleticism of Andreeva will prevent her from doing so effectively. Andreeva ins straight sets.
Best Bet: Sets Andreeva 2-0 ($2.02)
Gauff wasted no time in her opening match against Korpatsch but things could get tougher for her here. Twelve months ago Sierra became the first player in the modern era to make the 4th Round as a lucky loser but she will need to improve on her 2nd serve to have any chance. In a tight three set win over Bondar she had 11 double faults and won only 27% of 2nd serve points. If she puts up those numbers against Gauff she will be lucky to win three games. Funnily enough, this is the third meetings between them this year and things have not gone well for the Argentine. Gauff won 6-1 6-1 at the United Cup and after losing the first set in Rome, the American won 12 of the next 16 games including a second set bagel. Gauff will attack the Sierra second serve with great access.
Best Bet: Gauff -5.5 ($1.87)
Krejcikova v Adreeva: Sets Andreeva 2-0 ($2.02)
Pegula v Sorribes Tormo: Pegula -6.5 ($2.15)
Sabalenka v Kessler: Over 19.5 games ($1.92)
Sierra v Gauff: Gauff -5.5 ($1.87)
Alexandrova v Tararudee: Under 19.5 games ($2.00)
Bencic v Wang: Wang +1.5 Sets ($1.88)
Gasanova v Osaka: Over 18.5 games ($2.10)
Maria v Jovic: Jovic -3.5 ($1.75)
Muchova v Zhang: Over 19.5 games ($1.87)
Ostapenko v Ruzic: Ruzic +4.5 ($1.95)
Parks v Sawangkaew: Parks -2.5 ($1.90)
Parry v Kalinskaya: Kalinskaya WIN ($1.50)
Siniakova v Bartunkova: Bartunkova +2.5 ($1.90)
Sonmez v Liu: Sonmez WIN ($1.50)
Tjen v Kasatkina: Kasatkina WIN ($1.77)
Yastremska v Bouzas Maneiro: Yastremska WIN ($2.00)
