Current Form. The start of the season has been mixed for Alexandrova. She faced a tough loss in Brisbane against Ons Jabeur (3-6, 2-6) but managed to bounce back in Adelaide with a hard-fought win over Leylah Fernandez (6-4, 3-6, 6-2). However, her progress was halted by Belinda Navarro in a tight match (6-7, 4-6). These results suggest that while Alexandrova is working on regaining her rhythm, consistency remains a challenge.
Playing Style and Key Strengths. Alexandrova thrives on aggressive tennis. Her powerful first serve and ability to dictate the pace of play are her greatest strengths. She prefers short rallies, aiming to seize control quickly. However, this high-intensity style requires excellent physical conditioning – something that can falter without regular match practice.
Achievements and Rankings. Currently ranked 31st in the world, she has a WTA title to her name and consistently performs within the top 50.
Current Form. Raducanu hasn’t played any official matches this year. Her last competitive appearance was in November, representing Great Britain in the Billie Jean King Cup, where she impressed by winning all her matches. Nevertheless, entering the Australian Open without prior match practice raises questions about her current form.
Playing Style and Key Strengths. Raducanu is known for her versatility. She excels in baseline rallies, executes attacks with precision, and delivers a solid first serve. Her adaptability is a standout quality, allowing her to adjust her strategy mid-match. Even when things don’t go as planned, Raducanu has the tools to turn the game around.
Achievements and Rankings. Formerly ranked as high as 10th, Raducanu made headlines by winning the 2021 US Open as a qualifier. She now holds the 61st spot in the rankings.
This matchup presents a clash of styles: Alexandrova’s aggressive play versus Raducanu’s adaptability. Alexandrova will likely try to dominate from the outset, but if Raducanu can extend rallies and impose her rhythm, the Russian may find herself on the back foot.
Key factors include:
Prediction: This match is expected to go the distance, likely into three sets. Raducanu has a slight edge due to her ability to adapt and handle pressure. A 2-1 victory for the Brit is a plausible outcome, but the match is bound to be fiercely contested and highly entertaining.
Alexandrova enters the match with more recent game practice, while Raducanu hasn’t played any official tournaments this year, which may affect her rhythm. However, Emma’s versatility and ability to adapt quickly could make this a closely contested battle.
Our prediction: Alexandrova to win with odds of 1.85, as her powerful serve and aggressive style may give her the edge. Additionally, considering the players' playing styles, the match could extend beyond two sets.
Second prediction: total sets over 2.5 with odds of 2.10.
