Marta Kostyuk vs. Marina Stakusic Predictions: Kostyuk is Far Experienced in This Match

On Wednesday, August 24, No. 10 seed Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine will meet Canadian qualifier Marina Stakusic in the second round of the 2022 WTA Granby Open.

72nd in the world Marta Kostyuk started her campaign on a high note, defeating Tamara Zidansek in the opening round on Monday.

The Ukrainian raced out to a 5-0 lead before Zidansek could win her opening game of the tournament. However, the latter may only win one as Kostyuk completes the set in the next game.

Zidansek got out to a stronger start in the second set, going up 3-0 courtesy to an early break, but the 20-year-old quickly even things up before breaking the Slovenian for the second time in the match and won 6-1, 7-5.

Kostyuk has now won her ninth opening round match in her 15th tour-level tournament this year. This year, though, she has yet to reach the quarterfinals. She has an excellent chance of entering the quarterfinals in Granby, where she will face a debutant on Wednesday.

Marina Stakusic of Canada came back from a set down to defeat Australia's Jaimee Fourlis in the first round on Monday. It was the Canadian's first tour-level match, and she delivered an outstanding performance.

Stakusic raced to a 4-0 lead in the second set after Fourlis won the first. The Australian regained both breaks, but Stakusic broke for the third straight to tie the match at one set apiece.

The third set began with two consecutive service breaks, but Stakusic grabbed control from there and controlled the match to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.

Stakusic, the World No. 630, qualified for her debut main draw by defeating Ulrikke Eikeri in straight sets in the first qualifying round and Erin Routliffe in three sets in the second qualifier.

Kostyuk is significantly more experienced at this level, and she should easily defeat the newbie.

• Total Under 18.5 for 1.85
• Handicap Marta Kostyuk (-6.5) for 2
• Marta Kostyuk To Win And Total > 17.5 – No for 1.81