Kostyuk vs Gracheva: who is the favourite?
On June 5, two young players, Marta Kostyuk and Varvara Gracheva, will play in the round of 32 at Roland Garros. What is best option for a bet in this clash?

Command Analysis

Marta Kostyuk

18-year old Marta Kostyukis not disappointing experts, she is living up to expectations. In 2021 Ukrainian player reached the semi-final on two WTA tournaments - in Abu-Dhabi on hard surface and in Istanbul on clay.
In Paris, Marta made a huge sensation, she beat Garbine Muguruza in the first round (6:1, 6:4). In the second round Kostyuk proved that her victory was not an accident and claimed a win over Zheng Saisai (6:3, 6:4).

Varvara Gracheva

20-year old Varvara Gracheva has not been as successful as her opponent during this year. Russian's best result is the semi-final of ITF tournament on clay at Saint-Malo. But Varvara still managed to gain a great form for the start of Roland Garros.
In the first round of Paris tournament Russian player defeated the experienced Spaniard Arruabarrena in straight sets (6:2, 6:3). After that she had a tough match against Camila Giorgi. Varvara's calm and accurate approach for the game became the key factor, so she advanced to the third round (7:5, 1:6, 6:2).
Trends
СтавкаSecond set: total under 8.5
In each of three H2H matches players haven't played for more than eight games in the second set

СтавкаSets performance: 1>2
In two out of three head-to-head matches there were less games played in the second set than in first one

Tip and bets
Opponents haven't played each other on WTA level yet. But they have three head-to-head fixtures on ITF tournaments. In two of them Marta claimed a victory, including the most recent H2H fixture in the previous year (6:2, 6:2). We think that Ukrainian player will came out on top once again. Kostyuk has improved significantly during this season, she has an experience of play on the late stages of big tournaments, which is a huge factor for young players.
Our prediction - Kostyuk to win with a handicap of (-4) games
Only in one of two head-to-head fixtures we saw a set exchange. We were mentioning in our predictions that when Marta is in form she is closing out matches pretty quick and in straight sets. In her two matches at Paris she didn't gave away a single set, so we expect another clean victory from her.
Our second betting tip - total under 21 games