Kerber vs. Stephens
Regardless of this Thursday’s outcome, Sloane Stephens already secured her return to the top 400. Known as one of the best ball strikers in the game, the 24-year-old American possesses one of the deadliest forehands on the WTA Tour. Taking a look now at Sloane’s campaign in Toronto, the former world no.11 reaches this stage of the competition after an outstanding 7 – 6 3 – 6 6 – 2 win over Petra Kvitova.
The two-time Grand Slam champion – Angelique Kerber – continues to pursue her first title in 2017. Playing in North-America brings the best out of Kerber with the 29-year-old German winning 84.00% of the matches played on this region over the last 12 months. Despite her lack of success in recent months, the former world no.1 can never be underestimated. Adding to this, Angelique couldn’t have asked for a better start in Toronto after a straight sets win against Donna Vekic.
This will be the 4th career meeting between these two players with Stephens leading on the h2h by 2 – 1.
As the h2h suggests, Sloane is far from an easy match-up for the German. Nevertheless, it won’t be easy for the American to maintain a consistent level after such a demanding match in the previous round. With this in mind, Angelique is the main favourite to win this contest at 29/50 at Pinnacle while Sloane is available at 3/2 at Bet365. Besides the value on Kerber’s moneyline, placing a bet on the German’s -3 game handicap at 83/100 at Pinnacle is also a good approach for those who want to take a higher risk on this match.
Best Play: Angelique Kerber ML at 29/50 at Pinnacle
Svitolina vs. Venus
Despite her age, Venus Williams continues to be one of the best players on the WTA Tour. In addition to her terrific 75.68% winning record in 2017, Williams already reached two Grand Slam finals this season in Melbourne and Wimbledon. Nevertheless, the 37-year-old American has been far from impressive so far in Toronto. Besides her shaky performances against Irina-Camelia Begu and Katerina Siniakova, the seven-time Grand Slam champion is making 0.67 double faults per service game.
At the age of 22, Elina Svitolina is going through the best moment in her career. Known as one of the toughest competitors on the WTA Tour, Svitolina holds a phenomenal 40 – 10 record this season with four titles already on her resume. Taking a look now at Elina’s campaign on this event, the Ukrainian reaches this stage of the competition after a 7 – 6 6 – 4 win over Daria Kasatkina.
These two players are no strangers with Venus winning their previous encounter at the 2015 Internazionali BNL D’Italia by 6 – 4 6 – 3.
Despite Williams’ lead on the h2h, Svitolina is a completely different player in 2017. Adding to this, it won’t be easy for the American to overcome Elina’s extraordinary defensive skills. Having said that, the value is definitely on the Ukrainian’s tennis betting odds at 103/100 at Pinnacle while 5Dimes offers 91/100 for Venus’ victory.
Best Play: Elina Svitolina ML at 103/100 at Pinnacle
Calculators
