Pavlyuchenkova has won all 3 of their previous meetings. Their most recent match was actually at this tournament last year. She won in 3 sets in the semi final. Pavlyuchenkova won the title last year.
Pavlyuchenkova had a strong run of form in the middle of the year but her more recent performances have dipped a little. She should be motivated to defend her title but this won’t be easy.
Flipkens reached the quarter finals in Tashkent 2 weeks ago and the quarter finals in New Haven in August. In the first round she took the opening set from Minella who then retired.
This should be a tight match and value is on Flipkens. Lay Pavlyuchenkova at the start. Remove liability if she gets broken.
I have to favour Pavlyuchenkova to win in 3 sets.
