Cincinnati 2022: Emma Raducanu vs Victoria Azarenka preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds and pick | Western & Southern Open
Match Details
Fixture: (10) Emma Raducanu vs Victoria Azarenka
Tournament: Cincinnati Open 2022
Date: August 17, 2022
Round: Second Round (Round of 32)
Venue: Lindner Family Tennis Center, Ohio, United States
Category: WTA 1000
Surface: Hard
Prize money: $2,527,250
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | Canada - Rogers Sportsnet, TSN | UK - Amazon Prime Video
Emma Raducanu vs Victoria Azarenka preview
10th seed Emma Raducanu will square off against Victoria Azarenka in the second round of the Cincinnati Open on Wednesday.
Raducanu created a huge buzz after her historic victory at the 2021 US Open but hasnβt been able to live up to expectations this season. She has registered 12 wins against 14 losses. The quarterfinals of the Stuttgart Open and the Citi Open have been her best results so far, where she was seen off by eventual champions Iga Swiatek and Liudmila Samsonova respectively.
The teenager was set up against 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams in a much-anticipated first round clash in Cincinnati. Despite overwhelming support for the soon-retiring Williams, the 19-year-old remained unvexed throughout the encounter and pulled off a 6-4, 6-0 win against the tennis legend.
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US Open champion Emma Raducanu brushes aside the departing 23-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams 6-4, 6-0 to reach Round Two in Cincinnati!
#CincyTennis
https://t.co/ALfV1h3Ip2
Azarenka hasnβt had any spectacular results this year either. The Belarusian has garnered 17 wins and nine losses so far.
She started her year by reaching the quarterfinals of the Adelaide International but was ousted by Iga Swiatek in three sets. Recently, she also made the quarterfinals of the Citi Open, losing to Wang Xiyu in straight sets.
The two-time Australian Open champion progressed to the fourth round of the Australian Open this year, but wasnβt able to advance past Barbora Krejcikova and lost in straight sets.
The former World No. 1 faced Kaia Kanepi in the first round of the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati. She was able to get through in three sets, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3.
Victoria Azarenka @vika7 wins 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 over Kaia Kanepi @KanepiKaia in the first round.
#CincyTennis https://t.co/jwH5Ilzuii
Emma Raducanu vs Victoria Azarenka head-to-head
The WTA 1000 tournament in Cincinnati will be the first time the duo will face off. Their head-to-head stands at 0-0.
Emma Raducanu vs Victoria Azarenka odds
(All odds are sourced from Bet365)
Emma Raducanu vs Victoria Azarenka prediction
Azarenka is a two-time Cincinnati Open champion, having lifted the title in 2013 and more recently in 2020. She will enter the match-up as the favorite.
The veteran tennis star is known for her offensive baseline game. Her two-handed backhand has been her weapon and she can hit it efficiently crosscourt as well as down-the-line. Azarenka doesnβt shy away from the net and will approach it to finish off points.
Raducanu, meanwhile, has a strong forehand. She places her shots well and hits the corners of the opponentβs court to generate winners. However, the Britβs game is still evolving and Azarenka will look to count on her experience to make it to the third round.
Pick: Azarenka to win in three sets.