Berlin 2024: Jessica Pegula vs Donna Vekic preview, head-to-head, prediction, and pick | ecotrans Ladies Open
Match Details
Fixture: Jessica Pegula vs Donna Vekic
Date: Wednesday, June 19
Tournament: ecotrans Ladies Open
Round: Second round (Round of 16)
Venue: Berlin
Category: WTA 500
Surface: Grass
Prize Money: €823,000
Live Telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Sky Sports | Canada - TSN+
Jessica Pegula vs Donna Vekic preview
Jessica Pegula of the United States will take on Donna Vekic of Croatia in the second round of ecotrans Ladies Open in Berlin, Germany on Wednesday. Pegula skipped all the big clay court tournaments this season owing to an injury, but reached the semifinal of the Charleston Open and the quarterfinal of Miami Open prior to that.
She made a comeback at the S-Hertogenbosch and reached the second round in the tournament. On the other hand, Vekic made early exits from the Madrid Open and Italian Open, but managed to reach the third round of the French Open. She then reached the second round of S-Hertogenbosch before losing to Greet Minnen.
Vekic then beat Jule Niemeier 1-6, 6-1, 6-3 in the first round of ecotrans Open in Berlin to set up a showdown againt Pegula. The Croat lost the first set quite badly, but then bounced back in style to close out the match.
Jessica Pegula vs Donna Vekic head-to-head
Pegula leads their head-to-head 1-0. The American has won their only previous meeting, which was also on grass at the 2022 Wimbledon in straight sets.
Jessica Pegula vs Donna Vekic odds
(Odds to be updated)
Jessica Pegula vs Donna Vekic prediction
Pegula is a player with more pedigree of the two undoubtedly. However, the American is making a comeback from a long injury lay-off, which might make her a bit rusty. Hence, she might find it a bit difficult to find her rhythm quickly in the match.
Vekic, meanwhile, has already shown that she is capable of causing an upset, just as she did in the second round of French Open by toppling 18th seed, Marta Kostyuk last month. Vekic has a good serve and is a decent player on grass.
However, Pegula is arguably better on the surface, provided she is able to play close to her potential. Her movement on grass will be really crucial on the day and might determine the fate of the match against Vekic. In the end, it might prove to be too tough a task for her.
Pick: Vekic to win in three sets.