Irina-Camelia Begu vs Ann Li Prediction & Betting Tips - WTA Palermo Open

Prediction published on 18/07/2024, 17:52  by Daniel Ngulu | Modified on 18/07/2024 at 19:57 in Tennis Predictions

Irina-Camelia Begu and Ann Li, both unseeded, will face off in the quarter-finals of the 2024 Palermo Ladies Open. This will be their second career matchup and the winner will play Astra Sharma or Karolina Muchova in the semi-finals. Here’s a look at the stats and a prediction for this match.

Irina-Camelia Begu is back in Palermo, seeking a second title. The Romanian triumphed here in 2022 to mark her fifth success at tour level. She did not defend her title last year. On her return she has been in excellent form, winning both her matches in straights.

She began with an exquisite double-bagel victory over Marina Ribera. Her second match, against fifth seed Arantxa Rus, proved tougher as she won by the loss of seven games. The 33-year-old, who is down to 150th in the live ranking, has now claimed all 16 of her wins on clay.

Ann Li won the only encounter with Begu to date three seasons ago in this very round in Tenerife. The American would proceed to the final and win her maiden tour title. She will hope for something similar to secure the perfect Palermo debut.

Li has required a decider to win both her matches here. The most recent was against Erika Andreeva, her 22nd in 30 outings on clay and 25th win overall. This is the furthest that Li has played at a tour event since a run to the semi-finals at the Melbourne Summer Set in 2022.

The 24-year-old is now up 14 places to 113th in the live ranking. Li hadn’t won at the main draw in the tour this year before she arrived in Palermo.