Linda Fruhvirtova in action during a tournament in Hamburg (Imago)
8th seed Linda Fruhvirtova locks horns with No. 1 Slovene player Tamara Zidansek in the round of 16 of the 2023 Thailand Open on Wednesday.
The talented Linda Fruhvirtova opened the new season by playing in the ASB Classic. She crashed out in the first round after losing to 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu. At the Australian Open, she impressed fans as well as critics with her brilliant run to the fourth round of the competition. Her run came to an end with a loss against Donna Vekic.
After the memorable campaign at the Australian Open, Fruhvirotva came to Thailand. She notched up a comprehensive win against American veteran Bethanie Mattek-Sands in the round of 32. The 17-year-old won in straight sets 6-3, 6-1. She converted 7 out of 9 break points and was a step ahead of the experienced campaigner at all times.
The 25-year-old was ousted in the first round of the ASB Classic by Lauren Davis. Zidansek qualified for the main draw of the Hobart International with wins against Zara Larke and Diane Parry in the qualifying rounds. In the first round, she lost to a spirited Ysaline Bonaventure.
Zidansek lost to 2nd seed Ons Jabeur in the first round of the Australian Open. At the Thailand Open, Zidansek made light work of Astra Sharma in the first round. The one-sided encounter ended in straight sets 6-2, 6-3.
The head-to-head scoreline currently stands at 0-0 as the two players have never faced each other as yet.
Prediction: Linda Fruhvirtova to win in three sets.
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