Who’s going to stop the Romanian in this farewell season?

Linda tried in Dubai but got struck by Romanian lightning 6/1 6/4! So will she be able to do it today? Let’s see…

The match is scheduled on Stadium 3, under bright sunshine and heat that could rise to 27°C, dry conditions that speed up the ball, and wind. Sorana loves these conditions where her ball skids through, and she has that recent psychological edge that weighs heavily on players’ minds when they step on court. When I look at the solidity she showed in the previous round against the lefty Shnaider, I wonder how Linda is going to be able to counter this kind of profile.

They’re both very good servers, but one makes half as many double faults statistically for the same number of aces! Sorana has more control and is much more clutch in important moments, as shown by a much higher ratio of converted break points. Sure, Linda played a very solid first round, but it was against a clay-courter who lacks speed. Sorana is the exact opposite! Linda will need short rallies and to serve lights out, because even on the return, you’ve got Romanian solidity, famous for that magical, crushing down-the-line backhand.

On top of that, Sorana often mentions in interviews how lucky she was to be top 21, but I read that more as one last personal challenge for her farewell season. Currently top 35, but the rankings are tight and just 150 points could already bring her dangerously close to her record! The Romanian is known for her frankness and strong personality, as shown by the verbal missile she fired at Osaka at the end of their match at the AO, which left the Japanese player speechless! Her tennis is the same: sharp and authoritative!