If you’re only looking at win/loss records, the current odds for this matchup between Magda Linette and Cristina Bucsa might actually make sense. While Bucsa reached the semifinals in Angers and won the title in Limoges – both WTA 125k events – Linette has lost all of her last seven matches in 2023.
It’s always important to keep results in perspective though. Of all the players Bucsa beat in France, a semi-injured Anna Blinkova was the only one ranked inside the top 200, whereas Linette’s losses have hardly been shocking. Iga Swiatek, Petra Martic, Barbora Krejcikova, Daria Kasatkina, Leylah Fernandez and Sara Sorribes Tormo are all top-50 players on a different level compared to Bucsa. No doubt, the Spaniard with Moldovan roots is on an upwards trajectory and has become a dangerous player to face, however, I do not agree that she should be the favorite against a top-25 player who had great success in Australia last year.
I’m expecting Linette to play a lot more freely again to start the new season with all the good memories in mind as she reached the semifinals at last year’s Australian Open, beating Mayar Sherif, Anett Kontaveit, Ekaterina Alexandrova, Caroline Garcia and Karolina Pliskova on the way. Humidity, as usual, is super high in Brisbane, and the Pole has had her biggest success in conditions like that, winning WTA titles in Ningbo, China and Hua Hin, Thailand. After all, Linette is still the better hard-court player and I’m hoping for a resurgence of her 2023 Australian form.
Suggested Bets:
1.25u on Magda Linette to beat Cristina Bucsa at 2.12 with Pinnacle
Over 18s Only (21+ in some jurisdictions). 1 unit = 1% of bankroll. These are my bets that I am making. Please enjoy your betting responsibly. Never bet more than you can afford to lose, and do not chase a loss.