The Pick: Hsieh Su-wei vs. Marketa Vondrousova, AO fourth round

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook and are subject to change

Marketa Vondrousova was on the fast track to the WTA’s Top 10 before a left wrist injury got in the way. After a lengthy rehabilitation and a difficult 2020 where she finished with eight wins and nine losses, the Czech is once again a player on the rise.

Vondrousova, who has reached the fourth round at a major for the first time since her 2019 Roland Garros final run, will face 35-year-old Hsieh Su-Wei. Hsieh survived a marathon match with Sara Errani in the third round, and will look to secure her first-ever major quarterfinal appearance in singles.

Hsieh and Vondrousova are not your average players. Both are armed with dizzying racquet skills, swift movement, and an uncanny ability to construct points on their terms. In their only encounter, Hsieh defeated the Czech last month in Abu Dhabi, 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (3).

Expect to see a lot of drop shots. Both Hsieh and Vondrousova use this tactic very effectively, with the Czech Vondrousova typically hitting the dropper when stepping inside the court on the backhand side.

While Hsieh, with her unparalleled racquet skills, hits it whenever she pleases—usually when you least expect it.

Vondrousova has a clear edge in both the strength and movement department. Look for the lefty to slice Hsieh out wide with the serve, and keep her on the run with her heavy crosscourt forehand.

Hsieh will continue to do what she always does which is drive her opponents crazy with shots they’ve likely never experienced before, like this:

According to the oddsmakers, the Czech is a sizable -260 favorite. Vondrousova was close to defeating Hsieh in Abu Dhabi, but fell just short. In the end, expect Vondrousova’s recent knowledge of Hsieh’s tactics to pay dividends, and propel her to the quarterfinals.

The Pick: Marketa Vondrousova