Quito Prediction: Polona Hercog vs Elvina Kalieva
11:25 AM EST
The Line: Betting Odds: Polona Hercog -154 / Elvina Kalieva +110
Polona Hercog vs Elvina Kalieva Preview
Polona Hercog is competing in her 10th tournament of the season. This is her first appearance in Quito, where the 34-year-old is attempting to build on a recent quarterfinal run in Colina. Hercog had missed almost seven months of action between January and July because of undisclosed reasons.In the first round in Quito, Hercog opened with a three-set win over Sara Sorribes Tormo, which took the best part of three hours. She won 7-6, 4-6, 6-3, hitting four aces and winning 74% of first serve points (53/72). In the second round, she required another three-setter. This time, she beat an in-form Oleksandra Oliynykova, who captured two titles at the 125K level in recent weeks.
Hercog defeated the 24-year-old Ukrainian 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 in two hours and 31 minutes, taking her combined time spent on court past the five-hour mark. In the victory, she hit 3 aces and 5 double faults. Hercog landed 72% of first serves in play and won 67% of first serve points (42/63). Hercog won 42% of second serve points (10/24) and saved six of 10 break points.
Elvina Kalieva kicked off the tournament with a straight-sets win over Miriam Bulgaru that took 18 games to decide. The match lasted an hour and 23 minutes. In the second round, Kalieva beat compatriot Varvara Lepchenko 6-4, 6-2 in an hour and 31 minutes. She fired 5 aces and 4 double faults. Kalieva landed 59% of first serves in play and won 65% of first serve points (22/34). She won 54% of second serve points (13/24) and saved three of five break points.