When you look at the North American hardcourt for of Pironkova since she returned to the tour, couple that with two decent straight set wins in qualifying, and Kostyuk coming off testing positive to COVID and experiencing symptoms, I am happy to jump into Pironkova here at the -3.5 game handicap.
I have backed in Kostyuk a number of times over the last 6-9 months, however I do have genuine concerns as to how much ground she has lost from her illness, and there are too many question marks here for mine in her first tournament back. Pironkova is playing more than well enough to consider the game handicap here on recent form. She is comfortable with the conditions, and has the power to keep Kostyuk on the move and put her fitness and endurance to the test first up in tricky conditions.
Happy to take Pironkova at the -3.5 game handicap for 1.5 units. I would also consider supporting her in-play if she were to fall down a set.
Suggested Bet
1.5 units Pironkova -3.5 games vs Kostyuk at $1.83 at Bet365