Varvara Gracheva vs Katie Volynets Prediction, Tips, Stats, Odds: 8/8/2025

Qualifier Varvara Gracheva heads into her opening-round match at the 2025 WTA Cincinnati Open riding high on confidence and with a perfect record against opponent Katie Volynets. The two will square off for a place in the second round, where 24th seed Sofia Kenin awaits.

Gracheva’s path to the main draw was clinical. The Frenchwoman sailed through the qualifying rounds without losing a set, capping her run with a commanding win over fifth seed Iva Jovic. Now ranked No. 104 in the live standings, Gracheva is looking to break new ground in Cincinnati, having never gone beyond the second round here before.

Their most recent meeting came during Gracheva’s strong run to the ATX Open final in 2023—another straight-sets victory that adds weight to her status as favorite heading into this clash.

Volynets Struggling to Find Consistency

On the other side of the net, American wildcard Katie Volynets enters the tournament under less promising circumstances. With a 22-20 record this season and only three wins in her last 10 matches, Volynets is searching for form and momentum. Her current live ranking stands at No. 107, reflecting a challenging season on the tour.

Volynets has been splitting her time between WTA-level events and the challenger circuit, making only one quarterfinal appearance at the higher level this year. Her early exit in Montreal last week continued a worrying trend—this will be her 10th attempt at avoiding a first-round defeat in 2025.

Additionally, this marks Volynets’ debut appearance in the main draw at Cincinnati, further amplifying the pressure.

Statistical Snapshot & Betting Odds

According to betting site Vbet:

• Varvara Gracheva has a 65.68% implied chance of victory, with odds set at 1.84.
• Katie Volynets holds a 34.32% probability, with longer odds of 2.04.

These numbers reflect both form and head-to-head history, which strongly favor Gracheva.

Key Factors at Play

• Gracheva leads their head-to-head 2–0, including a win on a hardcourt surface.
• Volynets has lost 7 of her last 10 matches.
• The American has been defeated in 9 of her 17 hardcourt matches this season.
• Gracheva hasn’t dropped a set in her two most recent matches.

Prediction: Gracheva to Extend Her Winning Streak

Given both players’ recent trajectories, Varvara Gracheva is the clear pick. Not only has she defeated Volynets twice before, but her recent performances suggest she’s playing with renewed purpose and rhythm. Her strong form in qualifiers—combined with Volynets’ inconsistent year and vulnerability on hardcourts—makes for a compelling case in Gracheva’s favor.

While Volynets has talent, her current slump and lack of momentum are hard to overlook. Gracheva, who already has the psychological edge, is expected to control the match and advance.

Prediction: Varvara Gracheva to win — likely in straight sets