Nottingham 2022: Emma Raducanu vs Viktorija Golubic preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds and pick | Rothesay Open
Match Details
Fixture: (2) Emma Raducanu vs Viktorija Golubic.
Date: 7 June 2022.
Tournament: Rothesay Open Nottingham 2022.
Round: First Round (Round of 32).
Venue: Nottingham, United Kingdom.
Category: WTA 250.
Surface: Outdoor Grass.
Match timing: Approx. 1 pm local time, 2 pm CET, 8 am ET, 5.30 pm IST
Prize money: $239,477.
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | Canada - TSN | UK - Amazon Prime Video
Emma Raducanu vs Viktorija Golubic preview
Second seed Emma Raducanu will open her Nottingham campaign against World No. 55 Viktorija Golubic on Tuesday.
The 19-year-old Brit is making her first competitive appearance at home since her breakthrough at the US Open last September. In the intervening months, the World No. 11 struggled mightily for consistency.
That said, she looked to have found some rhythm in the clay swing. Raducanu made the quarterfinals in Stuttgart and followed it up with a run to the round of 16 in Madrid.
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She also eked out a tight three-set win in the first round at Roland Garros on her main-draw debut. Following those encouraging performances, the teen will fancy her chances of making a winning return to grass.
Viktorija Golubic, meanwhile, had her best-ever Grand Slam showing last year, reaching the quarterfinals of Wimbledon. She also collected the women's doubles silver medal alongside Belinda Bencic at the Tokyo Olympics in what was a memorable season for the Swiss.
The 29-year-old began the year with a quarterfinal appearance at the Melbourne Summer Set. However, Golubic has struggled to maintain that level since then. She failed to win consecutive matches in five subsequent events before snapping the streak at Indian Wells, where she reached the round of 16.
After four more early exits, Golubic made the last eight at Strasbourg only to fall in the first round at Roland Garros right after that.
Emma Raducanu vs Viktorija Golubic head-to-head
Raducanu and Golubic have never squared off on the tour before, so their head-to-head currently stands at a 0-0 deadlock.
Emma Raducanu vs Viktorija Golubic odds
(All odds sourced from Oddschecker)
Emma Raducanu vs Viktorija Golubic prediction
With the crowd firmly behind her, Emma Raducanu will be eager to make an impression. Raducanu's speed and fluid footwork should aid her on the slick surface. If she can get her serve working, she will have a huge advantage in this match.
However, the Brit needs to be wary of her opponent's versatile game. Golubic has a solid baseline game and can also mix it up with an array of slices and dropshots. Her backhand is her biggest weapon with which she will look to strike winners.
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Raducanu will need to look for opportunities to break down Golubic's forehand. The Swiss isn't the best under pressure and could rack up a high number of unforced errors if she is rushed. If the Brit herself can keep her errors at bay, she should be able to advance to the second round in Nottingham.
Pick: Raducanu to win in three sets.