We’ve finally arrived at the WTA Rouen final. It’s now down to the final two to do battle for the title in a battle between Ukrainians. On one side is the top seed, Marta Kostyuk, and on the other side is qualifier and the surprise package of the week Veronika Podrez. It should be an entertaining clash between two players who have impressed all week and, as always, we here at LWOT will be offering our preview and prediction for the final. But who will come out on top in Rouen?
WTA Rouen Final Prediction
Marta Kostyuk vs Veronika Podrez
Head-to-head: first meeting
The teenage Podrez has had quite the run this tournament, getting better and better as the week has gone on. Having won five matches on the bounce, after starting her week in the qualifying, and dropping just one set in the process she received some luck when her semifinal opponent, Soriana Cirstea, pulled out before the match due to an injury. She now finds herself in a final with a chance to win her very first WTA title.
On the other side of the net will be the more experienced Marta Kostyuk, the top seed at the WTA Rouen Open and currently 28th on the WTA rankings, who will be coming into this match as a relatively heavy favourite. She breezed through her semifinal match, beating the veteran Tatjana Maria 6-3 6-0 in just under an hour and will surely have taken real confidence from that performance. She now has what looks like being a great chance to win her second WTA singles title.
Matches against compatriots are never really easy, and are often tough to navigate, even if you’re the overwhelming favourite, as Kostyuk will be on Sunday. Having said that, the teenage Podrez has shown enough so far this week to suggest that she can at least make the match interesting. But ultimately, it is hard to look past Kostyuk’s experience and quality which should give her the edge in the crucial moments.
Prediction: Kostyuk in 2
Main phioto credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images