WTA 500 Linz 1/8-Finals

Tauson – Cirstea: 29.01.2025 15:00 CEST
H2H: first meeting

Clara Tauson has won four of her last five matches. At the beginning of the season, Tauson won the title in Auckland. It was the third title of her young career. Two weeks ago in Melbourne, Clara put up a big fight against Sabalenka in the third round. She lost in tight, straight sets. In Linz, Tauson won her opening match against Kalinina in straight sets. She was great under pressure, saving all five breakpoints. Last year in Linz, Tauson was stopped in the second round. Her most significant result happened in 2023, reaching the quarterfinals.

Sorana Cirstea has lost four of her last five matches. Before WTA Linz, Sorana was on an 8-match losing streak. Her previous win before this week was in May 2024. She had to end her 2024 season right after Wimbledon due to an injury. So far this season, Cirstea has played only three matches and has a record of losing 1-2. Cirstea still needs time to get back to her best level. In Linz, Cirstea lost the opening set against Rus 5-7 but successfully turned the match around and defeated Rus in three sets in the opening round.

Best Bet to Make

According to the bookies, Tauson is the favorite in this matchup, and we agree. She is in great form at the moment. On the other hand, Cirstea needs more competitive matches to get back to her best level. She struggled in the opening round against Rus. We believe that Tauson will dominate in this match and win easily.

That being said, Tauson winning in straight sets is a value bet.

Value bet/ the best odds: Clara Tauson winning 2-0 @1.67 @bet365

Tomova – Sakkari: 29.01.2025 16:30 CEST
H2H: 1-3

Viktoriya Tomova has lost four of her last five matches. In Linz, She won her opening-round match against Bouzas Maneiro in straight sets. She was 0-5 down in the opening set but successfully turned the set around. With that win, Tomova ended her four-match losing streak. So far this season, Viktoriya has played four matches and holds a 1-3 losing record. Two weeks ago in Melbourne, Tomova lost against Kasatkina in straight sets at the Australian Open.

Maria Sakkari has lost three of her last five matches. Two weeks ago in Melbourne, She lost in the opening round against Osorio in three tight sets. After retiring in the first round of the US Open in 2024, Sakkari ended her season due to a shoulder injury. The former world number 3 is struggling with her form. She last played in Linz in 2023, when she reached the semifinals. It will be her second appearance in Linz.

Best Bet to Make

According to the bookies, Sakkari is the favorite in this matchup, but we disagree. The former world number 3 had a disappointing start to the season. We expect a very tight match that could go either way. Both players are out of form.

That being said, Tomova covering the games handicap is a value bet.

Value bet/ the best odds: Viktoriya Tomova +4.5 games handicap @1.91 @bet365

Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports