WTA Oeiras R1: Yuan Yue vs Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva

I’m backing Jimenez Kasintseva in this match.

Yuan Yue

The 26-year-old Chinese player, currently ranked 101 (career-high 36), prefers outdoor hard courts. She has struggled this season with a 3–9 record, her best result being a R16 in Brisbane. Since then, she’s won just one match and recently lost to Siniakova in Miami. Clay is not her strength (career 33–34, 3–6 last year).

Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva

The 19-year-old from Andorra is ranked 129 (best 121) and prefers clay. A former top junior, she’s still trying to break through at the pro level. This year, she’s 12–10, including a runner-up finish at a clay WTA Challenger in Antalya. Her last match was a loss to Siskova in the Zaragoza ITF.

H2H: First meeting.

Summary

Though Jimenez Kasintseva can be inconsistent, this is a good spot for her. Clay suits her better, and Yue is in poor form with confidence likely low. The Andorran has at least shown promise on clay recently. Caution is advised with the stake, but value is on Jimenez Kasintseva.