Play of the Day: Marketa Vondrousova vs. Veronika Kudermetova, Wimbledon

Not much has separated these two players over the years, so why not bet on this match going the distance?



The Break: Roger Federer returns to Wimbledon3:05

In a very good second-round match-up at Wimbledon, Marketa Vondrousova takes on Veronika Kudermetova. Vondrousova has put together a great 2023 season thus far, going 23-10 and rising to 42nd in the rankings. The Czech was outside the Top 120 last October. Kudermetova was a trendy pick to go deep before the tournament started, so it’s fitting she comes into this one as a -150 moneyline favorite. Part of the reason for that is Kudermetova’s impressive 7-2 record on grass heading into this match, which includes a straight-set win over world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka.

This recent stretch of form suggests Kudermetova could go really deep at SW19. But Vondrousova is still a very tough opponent for her to face.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 03: Marketa Vondrousova of Czech Republic plays a forehand against Peyton Stearns of United States in the Women's Singles first round match on day one of The Championships Wimbledon 2023 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 03, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
© Getty Images

These two have met twice since the start of the 2022 season, with Kudermetova winning 7-6 (5), 6-7 (5), 7-5 at Indian Wells last year, and Vondrousova following it up with a 6-4, 6-2 win in Miami this March. Even if grass is Kudermetova’s preferred surface, Vondrousova can surely give her a run for her money.

Considering these two have played five sets in the last two years and Vondrousova has won three of them, I think it’s fair to like the Czech’s chances of winning at least one in this match. That’s why I’m looking to take the Over on the set total, which happens to pay out at very favorable odds. The Over on the game total of 22.5 is another solid option, but I prefer the better payout when it feels like this match is destined to go the distance.

Bet: Over 2.5 Sets (+135)