Rankings & Form
Ivana Jovic holds a clear ranking advantage over Sofia Kenin, sitting at world No.16 with 2105 points compared to Kenin’s No.47 and 1217 points. However, both players enter the Charleston tournament on a worrying downward trend, with Jovic dropping five straight matches (LLLLL) and Kenin also on a five-match losing streak. Their recent scorelines reflect struggles to close out sets, as Jovic’s losses include several 2-0 defeats, while Kenin has been competitive in some matches but still without a win.
Playing Styles
Jovic’s game relies heavily on consistency from the baseline and constructing points patiently, which typically suits the slower green clay courts at Charleston. Kenin, known for her aggressive counterpunching and ability to absorb pace, may find some opportunities to unsettle Jovic but her recent form has shown a lack of sharpness. Both players’ styles suggest extended rallies, which aligns with the expert pick favoring a total games count over 21.5.
Recent Results
Analyzing their last four matches, Jovic’s defeats have been more straightforward, often losing without winning a set, such as two 2-0 losses. Kenin’s recent matches have been tighter, including a 2-1 loss and a 1-2 loss, suggesting she remains competitive despite the slump. This could indicate that while Kenin struggles to close matches, she might push Jovic beyond straight sets, resulting in a longer encounter.
Match Prediction
Despite the poor recent form, Jovic’s higher ranking and more stable baseline game make her the favorite to edge this match. The AI pick aligns with this view, favoring Jovic to win, but the close scorelines in Kenin’s recent matches and the surface should keep games total high. Bettors may find value in the over 21.5 games line at 1.85 with Bet365, anticipating a match that extends beyond two tight sets.
