Confidence is a wonderful thing, especially in an individual sport like tennis. Today in Lausanne, we have two players facing each other whose confidence levels have risen considerably this year, although on completely different levels. Not many people had Tamara Zidanšek on their list of semifinalists at Roland Garros. With great grit, determination and a game designed for the Paris clay, the 23-year-old Slovenian surprised everyone, including myself.
Today, she’ll face Lucia Bronzetti, who’s quickly rising up the rankings too. In her WTA main draw debut, the Italian only lost four games across her first two matches against Sugnaux and Blinkova. Her first serve and forehand can be big weapons and at a little bit of altitude, these might also do some damage against a good defender like Zidanšek.
Bronzetti tries to constantly put pressure on her opponents, taking balls on the rise and attacking second serves. Zidanšek will be nowhere near Blinkova’s unforced error count, but the Slovenian didn’t look too convincing either recently. After losing to Jule Niemeier in straight sets last week, she found herself down 2-6 2-2 *0-40 to Marina Melnikova in her first round match here. Beating Mandy Minella 6-2 7-5 has been better, but Zidanšek is still looking for her French Open form.
The top seed might be too solid in the end, but I’m giving Bronzetti a shot. The young Italian is competitive in rallies and if she keeps playing with confidence, I can see her make an impression again.
Suggested Bets:
0.5u on Lucia Bronzetti +1.5 sets at 2.39 with Pinnacle
0.5u on Lucia Bronzetti +5.0 games at 2.01 with Pinnacle