Marta Kostyuk vs Ana Konjuh Prediction & Betting Tips - WTA Finals

Prediction published on 19/02/2022, 12:06  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 19/02/2022 at 13:30 in Tennis Predictions

World number 49 Marta Kostyuk takes on Ana Konjuh (ranked three places below her) in the first round of the Qatar Open. Kostyuk was as low as 85th in the rankings last year but has climbed 17 places in recent weeks. The Ukranian doesn't turn 20 until June and is playing her first tournament since the Australian Open. Kostyuk reached the last 32 of that Grand Slam beating the 32nd seed Sara Sorribes Tormo before losing to the eighth seeded Paula Badosa in three sets. There's been one previous meeting against Konjuh with Kostyuk winning in three sets in Istanbul last year. Kostyk has madde a consistent start to the year and can get the win here, it may take three sets though.

Ana Konjuh was as high as 20th in the rankings five years ago. The 24-year-old was a highly promising teenager but lost nearly three years of her career due to injuries. That's why this time last year, Konjuh was as low as 465th in the rankings. 2021 was spent making her way back up the list, ending the year in 67th position. Another 15 places have been risen this year thanks to two quarter finals in Australia. The first Grand Slam of the year saw her reach the second round, where she lost to eventual runner-up Danielle Collins.