Australian Open Prediction: Elena Rybakina vs Tereza Valentova
03:00 AM EST
The Line: Betting Odds: Elena Rybakina -500 / Tereza Valentova +400
Elena Rybakina vs Tereza Valentova Preview
Elena Rybakina is coming off a straight sets win over Varvara Gracheva that took 20 games to decide. The match lasted 77 minutes. Despite holding a 5-3 lead in the first set, Rybakina failed to serve for the set and was broken back by Gracheva. But the Frenchwoman dropped her serve just when the set looked destined for a tiebreak. Rybakina prevailed 7-5. Rybakina raised her level in the second set, where she broke Gracheva’s serve twice to complete a 7-5, 6-2 victory.Rybakina hit 24 winners and 19 unforced errors in the win. That included five aces. She landed 59% of first serves in play and won 76% of first serve points (26/34). Rybakina won 58% of second serve points (14/24) and saved five of seven break points. Before this, Rybakina had beaten Kaja Juvan in a match that took 19 games to decide. Rybakina is seeking a spot in the last 16 of the Australian Open for the third time in her career.
Tereza Valentova is competing in her maiden Australian Open and the Czech has deservedly reached the third round with victories over Maya Joint and Linda Fruhvirtova. Valentova was too strong for home favorite Joint, and won their match 6-4, 6-4 in the opening round.
Valentova was tested by countrywoman Fruhvirtova who came through qualifying. She dropped a set for the first time this week, but recovered to win the match 7-5, 2-6, 6-3 in two hours and 42 minutes. In the victory, Valentova hit 35 winners and 56 unforced errors. She tallied 1 ace and 3 double faults. Valentova landed 55% of first serves in play and won 61% of first serve points (33/54). Valentova won 42% of second serve points (19/45) and saved six of 12 break points. This is Valentova’s best run in a Grand Slam.