Undoubtedly, the J&T Banka Ostrava Open has given us many surprises in the early rounds of the inaugural tournament. Top names and top seeds have been knocked out already as the draws have been tough. Every match has been entertaining and fought out by every player. Let’s catch up on the tournament so far
Big Surprises
Clearly, the biggest surprise of the tournament is that top seed Elina Svitolina got knocked out of the tournament by Maria Sakkari. The Greek breezed through the match and just needed 76 minutes to win the match 6-3 6-3. The Ukrainian was not her usual self from the beginning and Sakkari took advantage of that.
Additionally, Karolina Pliskova, the second seed, was stunned by Veronika Kudermetova. In three fought out sets, the young Russian surprised the Czech and advanced to the quarterfinals. Pliskova continues to struggle since her display at the French Open.
Next, Petra Martic who was the fifth seed, lost to Jelena Ostapenko in straight sets. Ostapenko looked comfortable since the beginning and just dominated the Croatian. Martic couldn’t handle the heavy hitting that was produced from the young Latvian. Ostapenko just needed 58 minutes to defeat Martic, 6-3 6-1.
Anett Kontaveit who was the eighth seed was eliminated by Sara Sorribes Tormo in straight sets. The young Spanish player came all the way from the qualifiers and stunned the Estonian.
Lastly, Elena Rybakina, who was the sixth seed, was eliminated by Daria Kasatkina. The young Russian came through the qualifying rounds and looked great in the match. This encounter was more evenly fought, until the third set. Rybakina started the year in a great run, but since tennis returned she has not found that impressive form.
Winners So Far
Following an amazing run at the US Open, American Jennifer Brady continues to impress in the hard courts. Although, it wasn’t easy as she battled to get through Daria Kasatkina in two sets and save some set points in the first set. Another winner is Ons Jabeur, who defeated Jelena Ostapenko in straight sets. The seventh seed, Elise Mertens, cruised through the next round defeating Karolina Muchova in two sets. Lastly, Aryna Sabalenka had to put in some work as she knocked out Coco Gauff in three incredible sets.
Quarterfinal Matches
Overall, the quarterfinals offer some great matches this Friday. Maria Sakkari will face Ons Jabeur in a great contest. Both are playing some great tennis recently and will continue to do so. Victoria Azarenka will face off against Elise Mertens in which will be the most evenly match up of the day. Azarenka is great in hard courts and Mertens has eliminated some great players in the tournament thus far. Sara Sorribes Tormo will battle against Aryna Sabalenka in which the Belarussian looks like the heavy favorite to win the match. Jennifer Brady will play Veronika Kudermetova in an exciting matchup. All in all, every match at the J&T J&T Banka Ostrava Open seems great and the semifinals look very promising.
Main Photo from Getty.
