Julia Riera vs Ekaterina Makarova Prediction Buenos Aires 125 Tennis Picks 11/28/24

Julia Riera bounced back from a disappointing first-round defeat in Cali by downing Colina champion Nina Stojanovic in her opening match in Buenos Aires.

The home favorite won 6-4, 6-4 to reach the second round. In the victory which required an hour and 50 minutes, Riera tallied two aces and five double faults, landed 52% of first serves and won 60% of first-serve points (25/42).

Riera won 51% of second-serve points (20/39) and saved eight of 11 break points. Behind the return, she converted five of 10 break points.

This was Riera's 50th win of the season at all levels, with 27 of those victories coming on clay.

The 22-year-old is a semifinalist at the Buenos Aires 125K tournament, having achieved this feat just 12 months ago.

Ekaterina Makarova Preview

Ekaterina Makarova (not to be confused with her retired namesake and countrywoman who is a former world No. 8) came from behind to beat Miriam Bulgaru 3-6, 6-4, 7-5 in two hours and 41 minutes.

It was a proper marathon match that showcased Makarova's resilience and endurance and a great way to return to winning ways following a close defeat to Lepchenko in Charleston a week ago.

Makarova hit one ace, but made seven double faults which doesn't make for very good reading. She won landed 72% first serves but only won 49% of first-serve points (38/78) and 35% of second-serve points (11/31).

The Russian saved four 13 break points and needed four match points to get the job done in the end.

Julia Riera vs Ekaterina Makarova Head-To-Head

• Ekaterina Makarova leads Julia Riera 1-0 in their head-to-head.

• Makarova won that match in an ITF tournament on clay two years ago.

Julia Riera vs Ekaterina Makarova Prediction

Makarova struggled with consistency and rhythm behind her serve in that marathon win over Bulgaru. And she's coming up against a better defender and mover on clay in Riera, who will undoubtedly look to finish on a high on home soil. Give me Riera to lock this in straight sets for maximum value.