Tatjana Maria - Clara Tauson predictions and free betting tips [26/05/2024]

The match between Tatjana Maria and Clara Tauson promises to be highly intriguing. Both players are ranked within the top 100 of the WTA world rankings, and a successful performance could potentially see them break into the top 50. However, to achieve this, they must strive to win all their battles in the first week of the competition.

Tatjana Maria

The German tennis player had a commendable year in 2023, significantly improving her results and her overall gameplay. Maria clinched three respectable trophies last season, two of which were lower-tier, although the tournament in Barranquilla is held under the WTA flag. The Futures tournament in Pune was a solid start for her, and she also won the clay tournament in Bogotá by defeating Peyton Stearns in the final.

Additionally, a notable victory came from the Challenger series event on grass in Gaiba, and she reached two hard court semi-finals at the WTA 250 events in Warsaw and Cleveland. Maria had an exceptional past year, justifiably improving her position in the WTA rankings.

This season, Tatjana Maria's performance has dipped, as she has only competed in main events. Her best result was the quarterfinals in Bogotá, where she returned to defend her trophy.

The match against Clara Tauson in the first round of the Roland-Garros will be challenging. Tauson plays energetic tennis and could easily outplay Maria with intelligent combinations and strong attacks. However, it's crucial to see what Maria can counter against her opponent.

Clara Tauson

Tauson lacks composure, technique, and psychological stability in crucial matches. It is evident that Clara is talented and capable of reaching great heights, but she needs to improve her self-discipline to become a formidable player on tour.

Last season, Tauson won an indoor Futures and reached the third round at Roland-Garros after successfully navigating through the qualifiers. However, she lost in the round of 16 to Elina Avanesyan, despite being the favourite.

This year, Clara hasn't won any trophies yet, but she did reach the final of a clay Futures event in Oeiras. At the Masters in Rome, Tauson performed admirably by qualifying for the main draw and defeating one opponent before losing to Anna Kalinskaya in the second round.

The match against Tatjana Maria should lean in favour of Clara, but much will depend on whether Maria can play strategically against the young opponent, whose tennis can sometimes lack effectiveness, especially when countered with smart tactical play.

Head-to-Head

Last season at the Warsaw event, Clara Tauson lost to Tatjana Maria in straight sets. It was evident that the German player was a challenging opponent for the Briton. However, that was a hard court tournament, while this match will be on clay, a completely different surface.

Match Prediction: Tatjana Maria vs. Clara Tauson

I am placing my bet on Maria, whose tennis so far appears to be more comprehensive and well-constructed than that of Clara. Tauson might struggle to outplay Maria's technique and tactical strategies in this match.