Astra Sharma vs Karolina Muchova Prediction & Betting Tips - WTA Palermo Open

Prediction published on 18/07/2024, 06:21  by Daniel Ngulu | Modified on 18/07/2024 at 06:25 in Tennis Predictions

After advancing to the Palermo Ladies Open quarter-final, unseeded Astra Sharma will play second-seed Karolina Muchova on Friday. This is their first-ever duel with the winner to meet Irina-Camelia Begu, Ann Li or Erika Andreeva for a place in the championship match. This article looks at the players’ forms and offer a prediction for the game.

Astra Sharma is seeking to win three matches at a single tour event for the first time this year. The Australian, back in Palermo after a three-year hiatus, defeated compatriot Ajla Tomljanovic in three sets in the last round.

This was her ninth win of a topsy-turvy season that has seen her lose 14 times. Sharma, whose only tour title was achieved on clay, has moved four places to 147th in the live ranking.

Karolina Muchova just recently got back to competitive action after spending 10 months out with injury. She made her season debut three weeks ago on grass in Eastbourne and has so far compiled a 4-1 record.

The former French Open finalist, who is making her Palermo debut, has looked shaky despite her strong record. She had to come from a set down against qualifier Noma Akugue in the last round. In her tournament opener, the Czech player had to sweat to get the better of another qualifier.

Muchova is nonetheless a strong clay player and will be confident of returning to her dominant self. A former world number eight, Muchova has moved up one place to 34th in the live ranking.