WTA Rouen moves into the semifinals after more surprising results. Did any tennis bettor or handicapper have a Veronika Podrez-Tatjana Maria final when this tournament began? It’s a possibility, with both players playing in the semifinals. It’s a remarkable turn of events on the WTA Tour. We will find out if these two surprise stories can win yet another match and meet on Sunday. Let’s look at the semifinal matches on the card.
WTA Rouen
Kostyuk – Maria: Time 9:30
H2H: 2-0
Tatjana Maria had lost eight of nine matches before this week in Rouen. Where did all of this good tennis come from? Maria has suddenly found a winning groove. The German isn’t just winning, either; she has won all three of her Rouen matches in straight sets. She hasn’t lost a set in the main draw. Now she faces Maria Kostyuk, the top seed, who trailed on Friday but came back to beat Ann Li in three sets.
Best Bet to Make
Maria has won her matches more convincingly this week, but Kostyuk has faced better, higher-ranked players. Even though Kostyuk has needed more time and effort to win her matches this week, the fact that she has been playing good opponents should leave her very well prepared for this match. The feeling here is that with this match being in the semifinals, after several days of tennis, Kostyuk will be mentally ready. Maria, being 38 years old, might begin to feel her legs. Kostyuk should win this match decisively, and that’s the smart way to bet it.
That being said, Kostyuk -6.5 games is a value bet for sure.
Value bet/ the best odds: Kostyuk -6.5 games @1.91 @WilliamHill
Podrez – Cirstea: Time 11:00
H2H: 0-0
Veronika Podrez, a teenager, has come out of nowhere to make the semis. She easily defeated veteran Katie Boulter in the quarterfinals after beating Elisabetta Cocciaretto in the Round of 16. Podrez is beating multiple top-45 players. She isn’t feasting on players ranked 100 or lower. Is this going to continue? Meanwhile, Sorana-Michaela Cirstea beat Anna Bondar in straight sets. She has had a very smooth week and hopes to continue it.
Best Bet to Make
The bet here is Cirstea winning big. She is an experienced, higher-ranked player who is in rhythm and has not played too much tennis this week. She played just eight games in one match and got a retirement from Xinyu Wang. That kept her physically fresh for the quarterfinals, which she won in straight sets. She should be able to handle Podrez’s shots and force the teenager to play uncomfortably. It’s hard to think Podrez will continue to beat top-45 players, Cirstea being another one. If she does beat Cirstea, I know who I’m picking in the final.
That being said, Cirstea -5.5 games is a value bet for sure.
Value bet/ the best odds: Cirstea -5.5 games @1.82 @1xbet
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
