Aryna Sabalenka is currently ranked No. 2 in the world, while Magdalena Fręch is now No. 27. The two are set for an exciting quarterfinal round at WTA 1000 in Duhan. This is a contest between two in-form players, with both managing a 9-1 record in their last 10 outings. With Sabalenka known for her power and aggressive baseline game, the consistent and defensive skills of Fręch-who just dismantled a tough opponent in Beatriz Haddad Maia-will be well up to the task.
Claim Welcome BonusAryna Sabalenka (Belarus WTA #2)
Off the back of a hard-fought three-set victory against Yulia Putintseva, Sabalenka has been in complete dominance in her run to the quarterfinals but really showed some vulnerability early on in her last outing. High-octane, the stage is taken center by Sabalenka with her serving and groundstrokes often dictating play, but some inconsistencies of that second serve and baseline errors will need cleaning up across the net.
She will be into imposing her aggressive game with the strong first serve and forehand to keep Fręch on the back foot. For Sabalenka, it will all be about translating this service dominance into fast points without having to engage in long rallies, where Fręch's defensive skills can nullify her power. However, Sabalenka's second serve is a different story altogether and still is a cause for concern-a weakness which Fręch can look to pounce upon.
The aggressive baseline hitting forms the bedrock of her game, and with her serve firing, she can be pretty formidable. First and foremost, Sabalenka's return game-her 47% first serve return points and 64% second serve return points in her last match-allows her to flip defense into offense in a trice. Sabalenka herself saved only 54% of break points in her last match but managed to convert 6 break points against Putintseva.
Magdalena Frech (Poland WTA #27)
It was a clean and efficient match from Magdalena Fręch as she ousted Beatriz Haddad Maia in straight sets, showing how to counter with a good degree of length in rallies.
Fręch is going to have to take Sabalenka's power and do good counterpunching. Her return and stretching of the rallies-won 50% of the second serve return points against Haddad Maia-will be important in this regard. Fręch has been very consistent throughout, showing great court coverage that is going to be highly necessary in frustrating Sabalenka into errors.
Fręch is a rather conservative, tactical player. The Polish player won 69% of first-serve points against Haddad Maia while committing no double faults. Her consistent serving and break-point saves, which stand at 66%, will be crucial if she is to have any hopes of causing an upset against Sabalenka.
Fręch, with her sound baseline game, could capitalize on those moments, especially if Sabalenka shows frustration or impatience in the longer rallies.
Expert Betting Tips
The power and aggressive manner of game from Sabalenka would prove too much for Fręch over the length of the match, but Fręch should be competitive, particularly if she is able to elongate the rallies and capitalize on the poor second serve of Sabalenka. The experience of playing in big matches favors Sabalenka.
- Aryna Sabalenka Win + Under 20.5 Games @ 1.6 Odds
- Under 18.5 Games @ 1.84 Odds
- Aryna Sabalenka (-5.5) Games Handicap @ 1.66 Odds
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