Qualifying action kicks off in Prague, with one value selection standing out for me today.
Korpatsch vs Cristian (Approx 07:30pm AEST)
This looks to be a value spot for Tamara Korpatsch, one of the more active players in exhibitions over the tour suspension period.
One of the key takeaways from Korpatsch’s run in exhibitions, culminating with the German Series title, was her ability to comfortably handle 3+ hours on court in conditions similar to what we will see in Prague. Cristian has only played the three Romanian exhibitions since March, with two of those three matches in July ending with match tiebreaks. Whilst you cannot take much from most of these matches with such little on the line, there was not anything of note that made me lean towards Cristian sitting as a favourite today.
Korpatsch is not the type of player you want to be playing off an extended layoff. Points will be long, and the confidence she will have gained as her level improved gradually over the layoff will play a factor. Given limited data over the last year on clay, this will be limited to a 1 unit selection, however past clay form does favour Korpatsch in my opinion. I know what I am getting with the German taking to the court, and that is going to be a solid qualifying effort.