With Wimbledon just around the corner, players are trying their best to ease into the grass courts at the Rothesay International in Eastbourne. Wednesday, June 26, marks the commencement of the Round of 16 for the tournament, revealing some very surprising matchups.
One such WTA encounter in the second round is between Emma Raducanu and Jessica Pegula. If you're looking to place some bets on this showdown, we've conducted a thorough match analysis to help you make the best choices. Read on for our Raducanu vs Pegula prediction and betting tips.
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Player Form: Both Performing Brilliantly
Raducanu has performed radiantly in the 2024 season. Despite missing a major part of the clay season and skipping the French Open, she's been tearing it up on grass. She managed to reach the semi-finals of the Rothesay Open in Nottingham last week, and in Eastbourne, defeated Sloane Stephens in straight sets in the first round.
The 21-year-old has a strong 11-8 win-loss record this season, though she is yet to bag a title. She has gone up against powerhouses like Swiatek and Sabalenka in Stuttgart and Indian wells, and won't be looking to lose her momentum ahead of Wimbledon.
On the other hand, world No. 5 Pegula is having an electrifying season herself. She has maintained a remarkable 19-7 win-loss record, and recently bagged a title in Berlin, defeating Anna Kalinskaya in a thrilling three-setter.
Pegula made it to the Round of 16 at the Libema Open, and her victory in Berlin highlights her remarkable performance on grass.
How the Bookies View It: Pegula the Favourite
Bookmaker Betfred is slightly inclined towards Pegula to win this encounter, making her the favourite at 4/5. However, Raducanu is standing right behind at 1/1 to win. Set betting suggests a straight set victory for Pegula, with this result paying 7/4.
Recent Head-to-Head: Advantage Pegula
Raducanu and Pegula have gone against each other once before this encounter and Pegula leads the head-to-head at 1-0. Their last time standing against each other was in the Round of 16 of the Cincinnati Masters 2022, where Pegula defeated Raducanu 7-5, 6-4.
Anything Else Catch the Eye?
In Raducanu's first-round match against Stephens, things started a bit shaky.
Stephens nabbed an early break for a 3-2 lead. However, Raducanu patiently held her ground from the baseline, and after saving a couple of break points at 5-4, she broke Stephens herself to snatch the first set. Raducanu showcased absolute dominance in the second set, especially with her formidable forehand.
She saved 66.7 percent of breakpoints and converted just as many when she had the chance. She hit a total of 5 aces and a whopping 24 winners.
Meanwhile, Pegula strolled into Eastbourne after a first-round bye, following her emphatic victory in Berlin. She ousted Coco Gauff in the semi-finals, setting up a showdown in the finals with Anna Kalinskaya. Pegula defeated Kalinskaya in a thriller that went 6-7(0), 6-4, 7-6(3), grabbing her fifth career title and first title on grass.
Raducanu vs Pegula Betting Tips & Prediction
Pegula has had a thunderous season so far, and the 30-year-old has the experience to grab an edge over the youngster Raducanu. However, Raducanu looked sharp last week. While her slow start might pose a few challenges, her fantastic cross-court coverage could be just what she needs to turn the game around.
The former world No. 10 and US Open champion Raducanu is going to be our pick for this encounter.
- Raducanu to win @ 1/1
- Raducanu to win 2-1 @ 10/3
Raducanu and Pegula will play on the Centre Court, not before 3:30pm local time.
Bren is our resident Kiwi, and has been playing or watching sports down under in New Zealand for the better part of three decades. With 12+ years experience as a professional writer, Bren loves to dive deep into all things sport to bring the best betting analysis and predictions here at Mr Fixits Tips.
In December 2020 we sadly 
