WTA Rome Preview: Zvonareva vs Kasatkina

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It would be a little silly of me to introduce a matrix focusing on making the right play the majority of the time, and then back that up by taking Daria Kasatkina at the minus game handicap.

However…

I did want to write about this match and make reference to Kasatkina, as Alexander and I spoke about her a little bit on our show yesterday. I was perhaps a little more positive when it came to Kasatkina.

Whilst she isn’t displaying the attributes that saw her rise to her career high ranking a couple of years ago, this next couple of months presents as a major opportunity for her to get her career back on track. She was dominant in qualifying, albeit against players who do not prefer the clay, and this looks to be a great spot for her to capitalise.

Vera Zvonareva was knocked out of the singles draw early in New York, however it is worth noting she was there until deep into the tournament having won the women’s doubles. She is backing up off a quick turnaround, with a transition to her least preferred surface, so it won’t be easy for Vera.

Kasatkina was nearly a play, however I am happy to watch on and see if she can make the most of this opportunity. This falls into the category of the Tiafoe play over Medvedev that I reflected on last week, in that I think it is too focussed on the oppportunity and situation, and not enough about her form over a larger sample.

More importantly, this situation looks a definite “no play” on Zvonareva, if anything. I am interested to see what unfolds.

 

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