Anastasija Sevastova vs Emina Bektas

WTA Cincinnati – 1R: Anastasija Sevastova vs Emina Bektas

🧠 Form & Context

Anastasija Sevastova

• 🩹 Comeback story: Returned in 2025 after maternity leave and ACL injury; still regaining consistency but showing glimpses of her former top-15 form.
• 🔥 Montreal breakthrough: Defeated Tomljanović, Linette, and Pegula (first top-10 win in 5+ years) before falling to Osaka.
• 🎯 Season record: 8–8, including QF in Rabat and 3 hard-court wins last week—already more than in her 2023–24 combined.
• 📍 Cincinnati history: 6 appearances, best result R16 in 2017.
• 🎾 Game style: Crafty all-court game with slices, drop shots, and variety to disrupt opponents’ rhythm.

Emina Bektas

• 🚀 Qualifying form: Defeated Kawa and Sierra in straight sets to reach her first Cincinnati main draw.
• 📉 Ranking drop: Former world No. 82 (2023), now around 300 due to injuries and inconsistent results.
• ⚠️ Tour-level struggles: Only one WTA main draw win in 2025 (vs a No. 866 in Bogotá).
• 📊 Hard-court record 2025: 16–13, mostly at ITF/WTA 125 level; hasn’t beaten a top-200 player in a main draw since February.
• 🎾 Game style: Flat-hitting, aggressive forehand; movement and defense can be exposed against versatile counter-punchers.

🔍 Match Breakdown

• Sevastova’s edge: Montreal run showed both mental and physical readiness; her variety should disrupt Bektas’ rhythm-based approach.
• Potential hurdle: Fatigue risk after four Montreal matches last week—could allow Bektas to start strong.
• Bektas’ path to upset: Shorten points, attack second serves, and avoid getting drawn into slice-heavy rallies.
• Likely pattern: Sevastova using changes of pace and court angles to exploit Bektas’ movement.

🔮 Prediction

If Sevastova delivers even 70–80% of her Montreal level, she should control tempo and expose Bektas’ defensive gaps. The American may keep one set close if her serve clicks, but her lack of recent wins vs top opposition is a concern.

Prediction: Sevastova in straight sets — with one potentially tight set if Bektas serves well early.