WTA EASTBOURNE 2024 PREVIEW

WTA have 2 events this week – there is a 250 event in Germany and the more prestigious 500 event in Eastbourne.

Eastbourne is a picturesque seaside town on the South Coast of England, about 50 miles from London. This is the final chance for the players to get more time on the grass before tackling the speedy courts of Wimbledon next week. 

There is a stellar field at the tournament, but many of the world’s best will be taking the week off in preparation for SW19 starting on Monday 1st July.

Most home interest will likely lie with Emma Radacanu who begins her tournament against Sloane Stephens. The American should provide a good test for the former US Open Champion who has struggled with injuries over the past year and more. Stephens has limited time on grass this season and lost to Cocciaretto in Birmingham last week. If Radacanu can navigate past Stephens, she will likely face the newly crowned champion of Berlin Jessica Pegula who beat Kaliskaya in 3 tight sets on Sunday afternoon. That win will be a huge confidence boost for Pegula who was playing just her second tournament after being out injured for several weeks. The American is currently ranked Number 5 and will be a huge test for Radacanu or Stephens. Pegula is seeded 2 in Eastbourne this week.

Elena Rybakina will be determined to polish up some elements of her game after withdrawing in Berlin due to sickness. The top seed and former Wimbledon Champion will get a Bye in round one, and will face Harriet Dart or Marie Bouzkova before a quarter final meeting with Keys or Pavlyuchenkova if all goes to form. 

Jasmine Paolini will be the favourite to emerge from her quarter. The Italian is the third seed and will meet Mertens or British wildcard Miyazaki on Tuesday. 

Perhaps the most intriguing match of the first round will be Fernandez v Krejcikova. Both had decent results in Birmingham last week with 2 wins each and eventually losing in the quarter finals. It’s a bit of a shame that one will be out of the tournament so early but that’s the nature of the game.

BETTING

I’m surprised to see Radacanu at odds of 8, I’ll definitely leave that alone.

I would back Pegula but I’m not sure where her motivation levels will be this week. I’m not sure that a deep run 2 weeks in a row so soon after an injury comeback will be good for her Wimbledon chances.

I have a good feeling about Paolini this week, and at odds of 11.5 on the exchange, she could make a deep run.

That’s it for this week. Enjoy the tennis.

Patrick.