Best Bets WTA Lexington: Jessica Pegula over countrywoman CiCi Bellis

Thanks to Danielle Collins’ surprise road trip and subsequent dismissal from The Greenbrier bubble for violating the strict COVID-19 protocols during July's World TeamTennis season, Jessica Pegula couldn’t be more match tested.

Collins’ ejection meant that Pegula was the only remaining singles option for the Orlando Storm, and she delivered. Over the three-week season, Pegula was a league-leading 9-1 in women's singles competition, scoring wins over Sloane Stephens, Venus Williams, Jennifer Brady, and Sofia Kenin, just to name a few.

Yes, anything can happen in WTT’s abbreviated first-to-five games, no-ad format that features one set of each discipline, but you still have to win the important points. Pegula defeated former world No. 2 Vera Zvonereva, 6-1, 5-7, 6-4, on Monday and should be swinging freely after surviving that tough opening test.

Pegula went 9-1 in World Team Tennis singles competition. (Getty Images)

Pegula’s opponent, promising young American CiCi Bellis, is an awesome talent, (and frankly lucky to be playing tennis again), but is severely lacking in recent match experience.

Exhibitions and team events aside, Bellis has played just 11 matches since the beginning of 2019, one of those matches a 6-0, 6-4 loss to Pegula earlier this year in Auckland. The 21-year-old’s comeback story is a remarkable one, but there’s no room for sentiment at the sportsbook. Pegula, on the other hand, has been a picture of health, competing in 59 matches over the same period.

This match is a straight pick-em, meaning both players have the exact same odds. At (-112), Pegula presents a solid value, and is absolutely worth a flier. Bellis has the goods to score a victory, but we recommend backing Pegula. Her current level of play is known, while Bellis’ level remains somewhat of a mystery.