One of the most versatile WTA players.
Plays all-court tennis very well.
Uses slice very effectively.
Often rushes to the net.
Changes the pace very well.
One of the best WTA players at returning the opponent's serve.
On grass, players like her often have an advantage because points are shorter and require improvisation.
Osaka
Grass also suits her well.
Advantages:
One of the strongest first serves in the WTA.
Very aggressive first strike after the serve.
Flat shots on grass become even more dangerous.
Easily collects "free points".
However, she is not a natural grass player like Muchová.
Osaka likes rhythm.
Muchova does everything to disrupt that rhythm.
She:
hits slice shots
shortens the ball
changes the height
goes to the net
This is not a comfortable opponent type for Osaka.
Osaka usually looks better against players who play a more rhythmic tennis. Muchová is not like that.
How does it look in this tournament?
Muchová
Visually:
✔ moves easily
✔ works well with her feet
✔ calmly collects points
✔ almost never panics
✔ reads the game very well
Statistically:
wins many points at the net
makes few unforced errors
good first serve percentage
Looks very solid.
Osaka
Also looks good.
Pros:
serve is very good
forehand is very dangerous
high level of aggression
Cons:
sometimes second serves go missing
still experiences "waves" where she makes a lot of errors during periods of games
Psychology
Muchová:
very calm
rarely panics
adapts well
Osaka:
when everything goes well - seems unstoppable
if she starts making mistakes, it can be difficult to get back into rhythm
What does the statistics say about grass?
Both have good stats.
However:
Muchová is better against various playing styles.
Osaka's performance depends on the quality of her serves.
Muchova is underestimated. I would not consider Osaka the favorite. She is reliant on her serve. Muchova looks better in the tournament and I would consider her the favorite.
Eugenie Bouchard @-115 8/10
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