A longstanding back injury has put Alison Van Uytvanck on the sidelines for most parts of 2023. The Belgian last completed a tournament in October, winning the ITF W25 event in Reims. Funnily enough, she beat the same player in the final that she faces again in tomorrow’s final in Altenkirchen – Julia Avdeeva. Last fall, Van Uytvanck beat Avdeeva 6-4, 6-4, but this week, she struggled in pretty much every match. Beating Clara Tauson looks great on paper, however, the young Dane is struggling with injuries herself. Van Uytvanck then lost a set to Vivian Wolff and barely got past Nasti Schunk yesterday in a close three-setter, 6-4, 5-7, 6-3. I highly doubt she’s at 100% in her first tournament of the year as she even stated that the back injury was career-threatening.
On the contrary, 21-year-old Julia Avdeeva just gets her pro career up and running. Her game – much like Van Uytvanck’s – is perfectly suited for quick (indoor) hard courts. The tall Russian just hit 40 aces throughout her last two matches here in Altenkirchen, beating #110 Marina Bassols Ribera and #82 Oceane Dodin, who reached the fourth round at the Australian Open last month. Avdeeva’s big serve and sharp slice keep opponents on their back foot most of the time. Now that Van Uytvanck isn’t a great returner in the first place, I’m expecting a close match and with the injury worries looming, I wouldn’t be surprised if Avdeeva even won the biggest title of her young pro career after emerging victorious at the ITF W60 event in Hamburg last October. May German indoor courts and Julia Avdeeva deepen their bond in the week of Valentines.
Suggested Bet:
0.5u on Julia Avdeeva ML at 3.05 (+205) with Pinnacle
0.5u on Julia Avdeeva +1.5 sets at 1.88 (-114) with Pinnacle
0.5u on Julia Avdeeva +3.5 games at 1.97 (-103) 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.