Iga Swiatek vs Marta Kostyuk Prediction & Picks - WTA Cincinnati Open

Prediction published on 8/16/24, 3:23 AM  by Lou Aguila | Modified on 8/16/24 at 3:37 AM in Tennis Picks

World’s No.1 Iga Swiatek resumes her quest for a fifth WTA 1000 title this 2024 on Friday, squaring up against Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine in the round-of-16 of the 2024 Cincinnati Open. Swiatek started her US Open preparation with a bit of drama as she overcame a three-set duel with Varvara Gracheva of France 6-0 6-7(8) 6-2 in the second round. Swiatek, the No.1 seed of the tournament, faces immense pressure to perform at a high level, especially with No.2 seed Coco Gauff now eliminated in the tournament. Swiatek fired seven aces and broke her opponent seven times to fend off any chance of a second-round shocker. After surviving an upset bid from Elise Mertens of Belgium 6-4 2-6 6-4 in the first round, Kostyuk booted out Lulu Sun of New Zealand in straight sets 6-3 7-5. The Ukrainian netter overwhelmed the Swiss-born Kiwi by scoring eight aces and winning 34 points on her first serves. Kostyuk also recorded four breakpoints and 29 return points in the match.