Linda Noskova
No.17 seed Magda Linette will play Linda Noskova in the second round of the Italian Open
Magda Linette had a splendid start to the season, having made the semi-finals of the Australian Open in January. Unfortunately, though, she hasn’t been able to carry forward that form and has struggled in her recent events. She is one of the highly-rated players on the WTA tour but hasn’t quite lived up to expectations so far. The Italian Open provides a golden opportunity for the Polish ace to turn things around in the desired direction.
The seventeenth seed is coming into this tournament following a second-round exit from the Madrid Open. She has lacked consistency throughout the season and has suffered because of that very season. Linette has a relatively easier draw in the Italian Open and it remains to be seen if she can capitalise on that advantage.
Noskova registered an impressive victory in her opening round match of the Italian Open. The Czech player came back from a set down to win 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 against Shelby Rogers of the US.
The teenager is new to the WTA senior level but has already shown that she belongs to this level. Her performance so far this year came at the Lyon Open in February, where she became the only qualifier to reach the quarter-finals stage. Noskova is young and athletic and is certainly going to be a tricky opposition for Linette.
Date – Thursday, 11th May
Court Type – Clay outdoor surface
Telecast – Tennis Channel
Start Time – To be Announced
Location – Foro Italico
Match details – Round of 64 match
Linette and Noskova have never played each other before on the WTA tour. This is the first professional head to head clash between the two players. On paper, Linette is the favourite both in terms of rankings and experience at the top level. However, one can certainly not rule out Noskova and the Czech youngster is expected to put up a tough fight. We are expecting a close encounter with Linette eventually getting the better of Noskova in three sets.
More Tennis news
Follow our dedicated Tennis page for instant Tennis news and updates