Anna Blinkova vs Astra Sharma Tennis Match Prediction: 15/7/2024

As the clay courts beckon, sixth seed Anna Blinkova is set to face unseeded Astra Sharma in the first round of the Palermo Ladies Open. This match marks their first clash since 2020 and promises an intriguing contest with the winner set to face either Ajla Tomljanovic or Mayar Sherif in the subsequent round.

 

Current Form and Historical Performance

Anna Blinkova enters this tournament amid a challenging season, holding an 11-18 win-loss record. Despite her preference for clay, Blinkova’s recent performances have not met expectations. She arrives in Palermo following two consecutive defeats, including a first-round exit at Wimbledon, and has only secured three wins in her last ten matches. Currently ranked 73rd, down 13 spots, Blinkova looks to regain her form on her preferred surface.

Astra Sharma revisits Palermo where she enjoyed a quarter-final run in her 2021 debut. Like Blinkova, Sharma’s 2024 campaign has been less than stellar, with a record of 7 wins and 14 losses. The Australian has a particular affinity for clay, with most of her matches this year occurring on this surface, including six victories. However, her recent form has been worrying, culminating in four straight losses, the latest at the Bastad Challenger.

 

Head-to-Head and Rankings

Sharma holds a head-to-head advantage over Blinkova, having defeated her on clay at the French Open four years ago. Despite this, Sharma’s current ranking has slipped to 151st, significantly lower than Blinkova’s.

 

Key Points for Tennis Game Prediction

• Sharma has struggled recently, with eight losses in her last ten matches.
• Blinkova has accumulated 69 career victories on clay, indicating her proficiency on this surface.
• A large portion of Sharma’s losses this year has occurred on clay, despite it being her main playing surface.
• Blinkova holds a substantial ranking advantage, sitting 80 places above Sharma in the WTA rankings.

 

Our Tennis Prediction for Anna Blinkova vs Astra Sharma

Given both players’ affinity for clay but contrasting current forms, this matchup is poised to be competitive. While Sharma has previously triumphed over Blinkova on clay, her current losing streak and overall performance this year cast doubt on her ability to repeat such a feat. Blinkova, despite her struggles, has shown stronger clay-court credentials and a better overall track record this season.

 

Prediction: Anna Blinkova to win.

This prediction considers Blinkova’s higher ranking and slightly better form this year, as well as her proven track record on clay, suggesting she might have the upper hand in this encounter.