Alison Van Uytvanck vs Petra Martić Prediction & Betting Tips - WTA Linz

Prediction published on 08/02/2023, 05:04  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 08/02/2023 at 07:05 in Tennis Predictions

Sixth seeded Petra Martic takes on unseeded AlIson Van Uytvanck in the second round of the Upper Austria tournament in Linz. Whoever wins this match could face third seed Irena-Camelia Begu in the quarter finals. Martic began this week ranked 34th in the world, a rise of four places since the year began. The Croatian can climb to 32nd if winning this match. That's important of course with one eye on being seeded at the French Open. 2023 hasn't gone too well for her so far with some difficult draws. It began with two losses out of three in the United Cup. Not really a disgrace though as her defeats were against Maria Sakkari and Caroline Garcia. Martic reached the last 64 of the Australian Open, losing to the 22nd seeded Shuai Zhang. Last week in Lyon, the 32-year-old gave away a second round first set lead and lost to Alycia Parks, who went on to win the tournament. This week has seen her defeat qualifier Marina Bassols Ribera in straight sets.

Allson Van Uytvanck is down at 76th in the latest ranking list. That's 24 places below the ranking the Belgian had a year ago. Her first round win over Linda Noskova has taken her to 73rd and a win over the sixth seed will see her back inside the top 70. The win over Noskova came in straight sets and her opponent has been in good form of late. Van Uytvanck won both her matches in the United Cup but neither opponent beaten is in the top 150 and one was 381st that week. The Belgian has played three singles tournaments this year but only won two out of her five matches played. Last week saw her nearly cause an upset against top seed (and losing finalist) Caroline Garcia. Van Uytvanck won the first set 6-2 but then won just one game in the next two sets. Martic has won both of her previous matches against her opponent with Van Uytvanck failing to win a set and only winning three games in their last meeting three years ago. Martic can be backed to get another win.