Another busy day is scheduled at the Foro Italico as first round action continues from the WTA 1000 level Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome. The day’s action is headlined by a blockbuster matchup between a pair of US Open champions as the 10th seeded Emma Raducanu faces a resurgent Bianca Andreescu. Let’s take a closer look at that matchup and a couple of others as we search for the best bets of the day in Rome.
WTA Rome Day 2 Best Bets
(11) Jelena Ostapenko vs. (Q) Lauren Davis
Fading Jelena Ostapenko when she’s a strong favorite is never a terrible idea. The Latvian is notoriously capable of losing to just about anyone on a bad day and arrives in Rome on a losing streak dating back to late February. A bad day is a real possibility in her Rome opener. Lauren Davis certainly isn’t in the best form herself, but she has at least had a taste of the conditions this week having come through the qualifying draw. The American is more dangerous on clay than any other surface thanks to her quick movement and heavy forehand, perhaps it will all come together here? Worth a shot given Ostapenko’s dire form.
Recommended Selections:
Lauren Davis ML – 1 unit @ +326
Sloane Stephens vs. Ekaterina Alexandrova
Sloane Stephens and Ekaterina Alexandrova bring contrasting form into this clash. Alexandrova is fresh from a strong run to the semifinals in Madrid, whilst Stephens heads into this clash fresh from back-to-back opening round losses. Recent form is giving Alexandrova a big edge in the odds. However, I don’t agree with those odds. I’d usually have Stephens as the favorite in this matchup on a clay court. Admittedly, Alexandrova is probably a deserved favorite right now, but only slightly. There’s certainly value with Stephens who is very capable in these conditions and is likely to be a troublesome matchup for Alexandrova who is coming off a tiring couple of weeks.
Recommended Selections:
Sloane Stephens ML – 1 unit @ +203
(10) Emma Raducanu vs. Bianca Andreescu
I’m surprised Bianca Andreescu isn’t a stronger favorite over Emma Raducanu. I certainly see Andreescu as the far superior player and the Canadian has shown some good signs during her first couple of tournaments back from injury. Raducanu seems to have constant injury concerns and continues to look fragile in general. This is the type of matchup where Andreescu is likely to be keen to make a statement, she has superior firepower and versatility, if she wants it enough, she will win this match. I can see enough value with her as only a slight favorite.
Recommended Selections:
Bianca Andreescu ML – 1.5 units @ -116
Recommended selections are based on a 5-unit betting system where 1 unit is a minimum stake, and 5 units is the maximum stake.
This article is intended for entertainment purposes only. LWOS makes no guarantees that the picks will win. Only gamble where it is legal to do so, and only amounts you can afford to lose. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Main Photo from Getty.
