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Charleston WTA 250: Ons Jabeur vs Astra Sharma preview, head-to-head & prediction | MUSC Health Women's Open

Ons Jabeur
Ons Jabeur

Match details

Fixture: (1) Ons Jabeur vs Astra Sharma

Date: 18 April 2021

Tournament: MUSC Health Women's Open 2021

Round: Finals

Venue: Charleston, United States

Category: WTA 250

Surface: Green clay

Prize money: $235,238

Match timing: Not before 2 pm local time, 11.30 pm IST

Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Europsort

Ons Jabeur vs Astra Sharma preview

Top seed Ons Jabeur put up a strong showing in her semifinal match at the MUSC Health Women's Open 2021, outclassing the in-form Danka Kovinic in straight sets. The win is especially significant given that Jabeur lost to the same opponent just about a week ago.

On Saturday, however, the Tunisian stepped out with a level of intensity and focus that was missing from the duo's last meeting, and was able to flip the script on Kovinic.

Astra Sharma
Astra Sharma

Awaiting Jabeur in the final is Australia's Astra Sharma, who came through a resounding win over recently-crowned Bogota champion Maria Camila Osorio Serrano.

Sharma had already scored wins over the likes of 8th seed Madison Brengle and Wang Yafan, but she peaked in the match against Osorio Serrano. After saving four set points in the opener, the 25-year-old found her range behind the return to breeze through a comfortable second set.

She will now be hoping to carry the momentum into Sunday's final against a solid-looking Jabeur.

Ons Jabeur vs Astra Sharma head-to-head

Ons Jabeur will be sensing a big oppurtunity of scoring a first WTA title here
Ons Jabeur will be sensing a big oppurtunity of scoring a first WTA title here

The final is set to be the first career meeting between Ons Jabeur and Astra Sharma, so their current head-to-head stands at a 0-0 deadlock.

Ons Jabeur vs Astra Sharma prediction

Both Ons Jabeur and Astra Sharma will be playing in the second WTA final of their respective careers. Neither, however, has an actual title under their belt, and will be sensing a huge opportunity here.

Jabeur, in particular, has been playing some solid tennis over the last couple of years, and the only thing missing from her cabinet is a winner's trophy. The 26-year-old is prone to patchy play and occasional lapses in concentration, but has looked much sharper in her matches this week.

In Sharma, the Tunisian faces a player who is likely to win a few free points behind her serve. And that is why she will have to be careful about not giving away any easy points through unforced errors.

Jabeur has waited a long time for a second WTA final. If she can maintain her focus long enough to put herself in a strong position, she should be able to walk away with a title this time.

Prediction: Ons Jabeur to win in straight sets.

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