Clara Tauson’s Form and Performance :
Clara Tauson has won four of her last five matches. At the beginning of the season, Tauson won the title in Auckland, marking her third career title. Two weeks ago in Melbourne, Clara put up a strong fight against Sabalenka in the third round, losing in tight, straight sets. In Linz, Tauson won her opening match against Kalinina in straight sets, showing great composure under pressure and saving all five breakpoints. Last year in Linz, Tauson was stopped in the second round. Her best result in 2023 was reaching the quarterfinals.
Sorana Cirstea’s Recent Struggles:
Sorana Cirstea has lost four of her last five matches. Before WTA Linz, Sorana was on an 8-match losing streak, with her last win in May 2024. She was forced to end her 2024 season right after Wimbledon due to injury. This season, Cirstea has played only three matches and has a 1-2 record. She is still recovering and needs more competitive matches to regain her best level. In Linz, Cirstea lost the opening set to Rus 5-7 but managed to turn the match around, defeating Rus in three sets in the opening round.
Best Bet for Tauson vs Cirstea :
Tauson’s Dominance Expected :
According to the bookies, Tauson is the favorite in this matchup, and we agree. She is in excellent form at the moment, while Cirstea still needs time to reach her best level. Cirstea struggled in the opening round against Rus, and we believe Tauson will dominate this match.
Value Bet :
We recommend placing a value bet on Tauson winning in straight sets. Given her current form and Cirstea's struggles, this looks like a solid bet.
Best Odds: Clara Tauson Winning 2-0 @1.67 @bet365
Viktoriya Tomova vs Maria Sakkari - WTA Linz 1/8-Finals :
Tomova’s Recent Performance:
Viktoriya Tomova has lost four of her last five matches. In Linz, she won her opening-round match against Bouzas Maneiro in straight sets, despite being 0-5 down in the opening set. This victory ended her four-match losing streak. This season, Tomova holds a 1-3 losing record, and two weeks ago in Melbourne, she lost in straight sets to Kasatkina at the Australian Open.
Sakkari’s Struggles with Form :
Cirstea serves with powerful precision.
Maria Sakkari has lost three of her last five matches. Two weeks ago in Melbourne, she was defeated in the opening round by Osorio in three tight sets. After retiring in the first round of the US Open in 2024 due to a shoulder injury, Sakkari ended her season. The former world number 3 is still struggling with her form. Last year, Sakkari reached the semifinals in Linz, and this year will mark her second appearance in the tournament.
Best Bet for Tomova vs Sakkari :
Tight Match Expected :.
While the bookies favor Sakkari, we disagree due to her disappointing start to the season. Both players are struggling with form, and we expect a very tight match that could go either way.
Value Bet
We suggest placing a value bet on Tomova covering the +4.5 games handicap.
Best Odds: Viktoriya Tomova +4.5 Games Handicap @1.91 @bet365
