WTA Gippsland Trophy 2021: Simona Halep vs Ekaterina Alexandrova – Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction

WTA Gippsland Trophy 2021: Simona Halep vs Ekaterina Alexandrova – Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction
Simona Halep (left) and Ekaterina Alexandrova

World No.2 Simona Halep will have her task cut out when she faces 9th-seed Ekaterina Alexandrova in the quarterfinals of the WTA 500 Gippsland Trophy 2021. Alexandrova is coming into this contest after stunning French Open champion and 6th-seed Iga Swiatek in the Round of 32 and therefore, will be high on confidence.

Match details

  • Fixture: Simona Halep v Ekaterina Alexandrova
  • Date: February 4th, 2021
  • Tournament: Gippsland Trophy 2021
  • Round: Quarter-final
  • Venue: Melbourne, Australia
  • Surface: Outdoor hardcourt
  • Prize money: $565,530

Simona Halep vs Ekaterina Alexandrova: Preview

Simona Halep

Halep has started 2021 on a resounding note and is yet to lose a set this year. The 29-year old Romanian, after getting a first round bye, sailed past Anastasia Potapova 6-4, 6-4 in the second round. The two-time Grand Slam champion then demolished 16th-seed Laura Siegemund in straight sets 6-2, 6-4 to reach the last-eight stage.

On the other hand, Alexandrova so far has blown hot and cold in the tournament. The 26-year old Russian, after getting a bye in the opening round, had to dig deep to overcome the challenge of Anna Karolina Schmiedlova in three sets 4-6, 6-4, 6-2. However, Alexandrova did the unthinkable in the Round of 16, breezing past Swiatek in straight sets 6-4, 6-2.

FS Video

Simona Halep vs Ekaterina Alexandrova: Head-to-Head

Ekaterina Alexandrova

Prior to their meeting in Melbourne, the two women have faced each other twice. Both the athletes share the spoils and are deadlocked at 1-1. They last played against each other in 2019 in Beijing, where Alexandrova romped past Halep min straight sets 6-2, 6-3 in a Round of 32 contest.

Simona Halep vs Ekaterina Alexandrova: Prediction

Simona Halep

Even after a shocking win over Swiatek, Alexandrova enters into this match as an underdog. Having said that, it would not be a smooth ride for Halep and she would have to be at her very best to proceed to the semifinals. A three-set encounter is definitely on the cards, with Halep emerging triumphant with the barest of the margin.

Match Prediction: Simona Halep defeats Ekaterina Alexandrova in a marathon three-set encounter.

Also Read: WTA Gippsland Trophy 2021: Naomi Osaka vs Irina-Camelia Begu – Preview, Head to head & Prediction