Nottingham 2024: Karolina Pliskova vs Heather Watson preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds and pick | Rothesay Open
Match Details
Fixture: (6) Karolina Pliskova vs (WC) Heather Watson
Date: June 12, 2024
Round: Second Round (Round of 16)
Tournament: Rothesay Open 2024
Venue: Nottingham Tennis Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
Category: WTA 250
Surface: Grass
Prize Money: $267,082
Live Telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Sky Sports
Karolina Pliskova vs Heather Watson preview
Former World No. 1 Karolina Pliskova will take on Heather Watson in the second round of the 2024 Rothesay Open on Wednesday, June 12.
In the first round, Pliskova was drawn against Alycia Parks, who had beaten her the last time they crossed paths at the 2022 Ostrava Open. The Czech fell behind 4-1 in the opening set but quickly turned the tables on her opponent, claiming the next five games to take the set.
Pliskova drew first blood in the second set but Parks managed to get back on serve down the line. The Czech snagged another break in the ninth game to go 5-4 up and then served out the match for a 6-4, 6-4 win.
Watson kicked off her Nottingham campaign against Kayla Day. The Brit got broken at the start of the match and remained on the backfoot until the end to lose the first set.
Watson issued a stern response as she nabbed the second set without conceding a single game in it. The two were on even terms in the decider but Day was the one to blink first in the end. The Brit broke her opponent's serve in the final game of the match to register a 4-6, 6-0, 6-4 comeback win.
Karolina Pliskova vs Heather Watson head-to-head
This will be the first meeting between the two at the WTA level, so the head-to-head stands at 0-0 for now.
Karolina Pliskova vs Heather Watson odds
(Odds are sourced from BetMGM)
Karolina Pliskova vs Heather Watson prediction
Pliskova had a resurgence earlier this season but an injury stalled her progress. Of her 14 wins this year, 11 were in February. She missed a good chunk of the clay swing, and went 1-2 on the red dirt upon her return.
The Czech is a former champion in Nottingham, winning the title back in 2016. She's off to a good start this year as well, coming through in a tricky encounter against Parks.
Watson usually thrives on grass and makes the most out of these few weeks. She staged a comeback to get past Day and even made a winning start to her doubles campaign.
Pliskova is one of the few players who has enjoyed consistent success on grass over the years. She has won three titles on the surface and reached another three finals, including one at the 2021 Wimbledon Championships. Watson has the game to bother the Czech but the latter should be able to rise to the occasion to make it past her.
Pick: Karolina Pliskova to win in three sets.