Ekaterina Alexandrova - Sorana Cirstea predictions and free betting tips [15/08/2023]

A big hello to everyone! We're gradually delving into the women's grid of the Masters series tournament which has already kicked off in Cincinnati. With an abundance of matches, we'll selectively decide which ones to bet on and which ones best to watch without the thrill of wagering. I am drawn to the round of 64 match where two intriguing and rather unpredictable tennis players of this season will clash. Ekaterina Alexandrova, who had a wonderful grass-court season, and finally managed to secure a title at an official "main" tournament, will play against Sorana Cîrstea who has won a clay trophy at the Challenger in Reus, but hasn't yet achieved award-winning credentials in the current season's larger tournaments.

Let's take a closer look at the capabilities of both players, then concoct the right bet for their showdown.

Ekaterina Alexandrova

I notice that the Russian player is forging her own path, maintaining a level of performance that keeps her ranked high, as well as winning some tournaments, albeit within reasonable limits. Sometimes we see an overly accelerated Alexandrova in great form, and at other times during the season, she seems to struggle with her game.

This year is just another testament to the fact that Ekaterina is fulfilling her commitments to herself, often finding herself in conditions that allow her to excel over the course of certain competitions. It was specifically on the grass courts where Alexandrova once again displayed some of her best tennis, clinching a title in s´Hertogenbosch, followed by a semi-final place in the Berlin (500) tournament. Unfortunately, hard results beyond quarterfinals have eluded Ekaterina on other surfaces this season, so we're focusing our attention on her performances on hard courts in North America, specifically in the USA, as she skipped the Canadian Masters.

In the round of 64 at Cincinnati (1000), Alexandrova has a match against Cîrstea, who travelled for the "500" in Washington and the "1000" in Montreal after Wimbledon. From a game-tension perspective, the Romanian has gathered momentum, but we'll see how the well-trained Alexandrova, who has been diligently preparing for this particular tournament in southwest Ohio, rises to the occasion. We should expect to see an aggressive game from Alexandrova, while Cîrstea will likely try to mix it up, technically throwing off her opponent's game.

Sorana Cîrstea

More often than not, Cîrstea's journeys end with local successes that help maintain her status as the top female player in her country. At the moment, while Simona Halep is navigating all the procedural steps to prove her innocence against doping accusations, Cîrstea is recognised as the top-ranked female player from Romania - a pleasing title, albeit acquired through circumstantial events.

This year, Sorana has had a decent run, and even boasts a title claimed at the clay Challenger in Reus, but there's a desire for more, primarily a trophy from one of the "main" prize events. Two American Masters this spring have led Cîrstea to contemplate that she is in fine fettle and capable of achieving success in larger tournaments. This fighting spirit allowed Sorana to show some quality tennis in Reus, but afterwards, her game seemed to degrade.

Before her journey to Cincinnati, Cîrstea managed to defeat one opponent each in Washington and then at the tournament in Montreal; the latter second matches truly pushing Sorana's limits. As a result, it's not surprising that she couldn't make a significant impact in those hard-court competitions.

In Cincinnati, the Romanian player starts her campaign with a game against Ekaterina Alexandrova, whom she has never faced in the tour before. Cîrstea plays well in rallies, acting smartly, but her serve often lets her down. Generally, Sorana could display efficient tennis, provided we are not greeted with a slew of mistakes from her in straightforward situations.

Prediction for the match: Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Sorana Cîrstea

I had to ponder at great lengths to propose the bet with the total of under 21.5 games in the match. If the Russian player is prepared, then she is likely to be directing this game. When it comes to Cîrstea, the line of thought should be based on her potential against Alexandrova's; we've seen that the Romanian often loses to opponents who are adept at attacking and sufficiently confident. Ideally, Cîrstea should control the match and break any defence, given that she's performing top-grade, quality tennis. One way or another, something has to give; I don't think the ladies are ready for a more extensive game. It's quite likely that we should anticipate a straight-sets victory from one of them in this match.