Seven-time grand slam champion Venus Williams, who accepted a last minute wild-card to play at the WTA Strasbourg Open, will play against Sorana Cirstea in the first round today.

Also read: “Serena Williams Still Copies Everything That I Do” – Venus Williams

Internationaux de Strasbourg 2021: Venus Williams vs Sorana Cirstea Preview

The veteran American tennis player has been struggling to maintain consistency on-court over the past few years. But, the relentless pursuit of Venus Williams to continue playing the sport deserves a title or two.

On the other hand, Sorana Cirstea had a decent year on the WTA tour so far as she won her first tour title since 2008 at the Istanbul Open. The Romanian defeated top players like Petra Kvitova and Elise Mertens this year.

As a result of these victories, the Romanian attained 58th rank on the women’s singles tour. With a career spanning over a decade, Cirstea managed to stay afloat even after repeated failures. This matchup creates interest for the mere reason that both Venus and Cirstea are looking to bounce back and create a solid impact before bowing out of the sport.

Head-to-Head

The duo faced played three times against each other so far. The legendary American won all their three encounters, and will head into the match with the confidence of not losing to the Romanian before.

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But, the last time Venus and Cirstea played against each other was at the Rogers Cup in 2018. It has been three years since their last matchup. The Romanian looks confident this year as she managed to win five matches on the red-dirt, with just one defeat to her name.

Coming to Venus, she lost both of her matches played on clay this year. The American doesn’t have an incredible record on red turfs when compared to grass courts.

Internationaux de Strasbourg 2021: Venus Williams vs Sorana Cirstea Prediction

Owing to their head-to-head record, the American might appear to be the clear favorite heading into the match. But, all their previous encounters took place on hard-courts, where Cirstea usually struggles to find peak form.

On clay, the Romanian usually plays her natural game. If she can continue her winning momentum, it becomes difficult for Venus to stop her.

However, the seven-time grand slam champion can use her all-round display and remain aggressive throughout the match, forcing Cirstea to make errors.

Going by current form, it’s the Romanian who is more likely to emerge as the winner in this contest. If Venus is physically fit and stays with Cirstea in long rallies, she can fancy her chances of reaching the second round at the WTA Strasbourg Open.

Final Prediction: Sorana Cirstea to win in three sets.

Also read: Is Venus Williams Richer Than Serena Williams?