The Aurora team is returning to their lineup their best player XANTARES. The full Turkish team is still one of the best. Even though FQ performed solidly at Cologne with their new player jks, it might be difficult for them if Aurora plays their game.
Kamilla Rakhimova, although improving her game lately, is still a player in the initial stages of her career, so she will need some time to adjust her game, with very few unforced errors. Maria Sakkari used to be the 3rd ranked WTA player, but after her injury at the US Open 2024, she was out of the game for a long time and this year her results have decreased. However, she managed to win 2:0 against Russian players of a similar level - Blinkova and Putintseva. In any case, in the first stage, the Greek player should have enough strength.
Tomova Viktoriya from Bulgaria is weak on fast surfaces, mainly in terms of offense as her strength is limited to defense. She may have a chance at a normal ITF level, but in WTA tournaments, she usually only makes it through the first stages like in this tournament. She may struggle against opponents who have more power and can hit winners or aces. Overall, she is more comfortable playing on clay surfaces.
Li Ann, an American, is playing at home and is better on hard courts. She has a strong serve and good winners, but lacks consistency. However, she has the potential for a 2:0 win. The disadvantage is that Li may struggle due to a recent injury she sustained during the beginning of the Dubai tournament, causing her to lack consistency and potentially drop a set. This makes taking a games handicap a safe bet.
Tomova Viktoriya from Bulgaria in the fast court is very weak, practically apart from defense, there is no attack, her strength is limited. Maybe she could do better at the ITF level, but in the WTA case, first stages, like in this tournament, it should be enough. Especially against opponents who have a little bit more power, she can make some winners or aces. In general, Tomova plays better on clay courts, which suits her playing style more.
Li Ann is an American, playing at home. She plays on hard courts and has a good amount of winners and a decent serve, maybe lacking a bit of stability, but her potential for a 2:0 win is clear here.
The downside is that Li is most likely not fully recovered from her injury, which she received at the beginning of the year in the Dubai tournament, so she may not be able to play the whole match at the same level, which can result in dropping a set. Therefore, considering a handicap for games could be a good risk management strategy.
The start of the season, but it must be understood that nothing can be changed when Galatasaray team has such strength. Just as Turkey dominated Gala last season, it will be the same this season. Galatasaray has even strengthened their squad and looked very good and scored many goals in friendly matches. One of the weakest teams in the league, Gaziantep, looked poor in friendlies and now Galatasaray should continue their winning streak because they dominate against each other.
Aurora (-1.5) @102 8/10
