After stunning the world number one in the US Open women’s singles last 16, Belinda Bencic beats Vekic 2-0 in the quarter-finals looks a solid bet.
As the Swiss dispensed with Naomi Osaka in straight sets, Croatia’s Donna Vekic should follow suit at Flushing Meadows.
Bencic leads the career head-to-head between the two 2-1. Although Vekic won their last encounter at the French Open, clay courts play very different to a hard surface.
Prior to that, Bencic won both previous clashes – including on underfoot conditions like these – in straight sets.
The US Open women’s singles draw opened up very nicely for Vekic. Top 10 seeds Aryna Sabalenka and Kiki Bertens were among early casualties.
That left her as the highest ranked player left in her section. Vekic then had to fight from a set down to overcome Julia Gorges and make the quarter-finals.
Bencic has played less tennis at Flushing Meadows than her opponent. A third round walkover left her fresh to send then-reigning US Open champ Osaka packing.
Why Bencic beats Vekic 2-0 appeals
It’s a major marker from the Swiss, and she’s thus a worthy favourite to win again and reach the semis.
The odds for an outright win look a little cramped, however, so Bencic beats Vekic 2-0 at 27/20 with 888Sport appeals instead.
A previous hard court win in the fixture, coupled with her elimination of Oaska, puts the Swiss in pole position here.
There’s also every chance Bencic could go on and make the US Open final now. Both her potential opponents in the semis are seeded below her.
Provisional WTA world rankings put her among the top 10 for reaching the quarters. Bencic could climb even higher with an anticipated victory over Vekic.
If replicating her clinical form from the last round, then another straight sets result is on the cards.
Bet of the Day: 27/20 with 888Sport, Bencic beats Vekic 2-0 in the US Open women’s singles quarter-finals.
