A blockbuster final awaits at the WTA Linz Open. The top 1 seed Jelena Ostapenko faces the second seed Ekaterina Alexandrova for the title. Ostapenko is seeking to win her eighth WTA title, while Alexandrova is hoping to claim a fifth. As always, we at LWOT give our analysis and prediction for the final in Linz, as well as in Hua Hin and Montpellier. But who will win the title in Linz?
WTA Linz Final Prediction
Jelena Ostapenko vs Eakterina Alexandrova
Head-to-head: Alexandrova 5-4 Ostapenko
The two players had very contrasting semifinals to reach this stage. Ostapenko was outstanding in her 6-2 6-3 triumph against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. The Latvian was nearly unplayable and struck close to 40 winners in a match that did not last for much longer than an hour. Alexandrova had a titanic tussle for over three hours with Donna Vekic. She trailed 5-1 in a final-set tiebreak, but then fought back incredibly to prevail 5-7 7-6 7-6.
These two also have one of the most underrated rivalries on the WTA Tour; playing some epic matches. This includes Ostapenko recovering from 5-2 and a double-break down in the third set against the Russian in San Diego last season. Ostapenko also triumphed in their previous match in the Adelaide semifinal this year, before going on to win the tournament.
Overall, Ostapenko is the favourite and gets the edge in the WTA Linz final for a few reasons. Firstly, fatigue may be an issue for Alexandrova. Both her and Vekic were understandably struggling a little towards the end of their mammoth contest. It could be difficult to properly recover in time without a day’s rest. Secondly, Ostapenko’s level has been excellent in her last two matches. The Latvian is known for being inconsistent, but that has not been the case this season, with this being her second final in four tournaments. Thirdly, the conditions suit Ostapenko. The court is slow enough for her to wind up her groundstrokes but just about quick enough to hit through the court effectively.
In addition, the court speed will also allow Ostapenko to get a lot of Alexandrova’s serves back into play, which is key. Ostapenko to win the title in Linz with a straight-sets victory.
Prediction: Ostapenko in 2
Main photo credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
