tennis | Thursday, October 6, 2022 7:53 AM

Thursday Tennis Best Bet: WTA Ostrava, Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Daria Kasatkina

Jon Reid

Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Daria Kasatkina Best Bet: Thursday, October 6th

A void on the selection for Wednesday’s action in Ostrava, as Iga Swiatek was pushed by Ajla Tomljanovic, but the Aussie ended up having to retire with the world No. 1 leading 7-5, 2-2 in the second.

For Thursday, we’ll stick with the 500-level event in the Czech Republic, where it’s the match between Ekaterina Alexandrova and Daria Kasatkina that catches the eye.

In this article:

Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Daria Kasatkina Preview
Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Daria Kasatkina Best Bet

Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Daria Kasatkina Preview

October 6th, 18:30 UK Time

This has the potential to be a really fun tilt here between two countrywomen, as they vie for a berth in the quarterfinals.

With both possessing effective game styles on hard courts, yet vastly different foundations to their games, the stylistic contrast has the makings of an entertaining viewing experience.

With Alexandrova far more focused on power tennis, and Kasatkina an elite defender and counterpuncher (though she’s added a much-needed aggressive dynamic to her game in 2022 as well), this could come down to who can execute and impose their gameplan on the other more effectively.

Considering the typically-slow conditions in Ostrava, I’m going to side with Kasatkina being far more likely to do so. Her ball retrieval abilities on any surface are enough to make Alexandrova hit two or three more balls per rally – increasing the likelihood she commits unforced errors. Kasatkina also has the ability to generate pace from her forehand wing if her opponents get complacent and leave her an attackable ball.

Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Daria Kasatkina Best Bet

With the stylistic matchup, court conditions and more well-rounded game for Kasatkina, and the better serve and ability to dictate being more in Alexandrova’s favour, I have this one a close match, with Kasatkina deserving to be a slight favourite.

The markets, however, see it the other way, with some books calling this one dead even and others deeming Alexandrova as the more likely winner.

I’ll go ahead and take the slight underdog that I believe should be slightly favoured.