The opening rounds of the WTA Luxembourg Open 2019 on Monday, October 14, will see the number five seed Viktoria Kuzmova go head to head with the American Katie Volynets. On the same day, Shelby Rogers will cross paths with the veteran German Tatjana Maria. Get Viktoria Kuzmova v Katie Volynets and Shelby Rogers v Tatjana Maria preview, predictions, and other tips below.
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Viktoria Kuzmova v Katie Volynets Predictions & Preview
This being the first meeting between the two players on the circuit, Kuzmova is bound to start as the heavy odds-on favourite here. Currently ranked World No. 52, she is light years ahead in terms of experience and form when compared to the 17-year-old Volynets.
However, an intricate look into the Slovak’s run this season will tell you that not everything has been sunshine and rainbows for her. With a strike rate of 25-23, the best she has delivered this year is reaching the quarterfinal in a few WTA International tournaments. Her best run came in Dubai, where Kuzmova reached the fourth round after knocking out the likes of Kiki Bertens and Sofia Kenin.
On the doubles circuit, the number five seed enjoyed a lot more success as she won the women’s doubles title in Prague and Bucharest, along with reaching the final in St. Petersburg.
By a stark contrast, Volynets has spent a majority of her season on the ITF circuit, possibly building her form and momentum for the next year. Her journey there, however, has been quite disappointing and is largely marked by a series of early round exits. Mostly starting as a qualifier, the best she has managed is reaching the quarterfinal in the ITF Jackson in the United States.
Katie received a wildcard into the main draw in Luxembourg and it will be intriguing to see how far she gets here. For this match, however, she faces a stiff task ahead of her to overcome the superior Kuzmova.
Tip: Under 17.5 games in the match 8/5 with Unibet
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Shelby Rogers v Tatjana Maria Predictions & Preview
This is the third time the two players are set to meet on the WTA Tour. The tally is currently tied at 1-1 with their last meeting taking place in the WTA Quebec in 2014. Shelby won that match in straight sets.
Since then, however, a lot has clearly changed for her. Playing under protected ranking in Luxembourg, Shelby had to undergo a knee surgery last season has spent a significant amount of time in recovery. She returned to action on the tour only in Charleston where she suffered a second-round defeat. However, she found her groove with time and eventually, she managed to bag an ITF title in Templeton.
Even though the season is coming to an end, Rogers will be keen on ending it on a high. However, she faces an opponent who is quite experienced and been highly active throughout this year.
With a win-loss tally of 24-29, Tatjana Maria has had a pretty dull season but a season nonetheless. With a bunch of first-round exits highlighting most of her year, there have been a few instances where she has truly managed to leave an impression. In Miami Open, she reached the fourth round and a few weeks later in the WTA Nottingham, she reached the semifinal.
Since then, however, Maria’s form has taken a sharp toll and consequently, has spent quite a bit of time in futile attempts to climb up in the rankings. For this game, however, she will start as the favourite to win.
Tip: Tatjana Maria to Win: 5/4 with Unibet
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