Barbora Palicova and Samira De Stefano meet in the second round of the WTA Ljubljana on Wednesday, September 16, at 08:00 UTC. Palicova holds the ranking advantage, but De Stefano’s recent rise makes the gap between their prices look too wide.
Two clay runs built on different strengths
Palicova beat Gina Feistel 7-5, 6-1 in the opening round, recovering after an early lead became unnecessarily complicated. Her recent Bytom title showed similar resilience, although uneven service rhythm and concentration have repeatedly turned straightforward afternoons into long shifts.
De Stefano’s 1-6, 6-3, 6-3 comeback against experienced clay-courter Arantxa Rus carried more weight. It was her first WTA 125 main-draw win, following a dominant W50 title run, and confirmed that her confidence is travelling beyond lower-level opposition.
The left-handed angle can tilt the rallies
De Stefano can use her left-handed serve and crosscourt forehand to keep working Palicova’s backhand, especially when second serves invite an immediate attack. Palicova is comfortable extending rallies, but she has not protected serve cleanly enough to assume control here.
Their only previous meeting went De Stefano’s way in three sets on hard court. That is a small clue rather than a grand revelation, but alongside her current clay form and stronger Ljubljana opener, it supports the upset price.
Prediction: Samira De Stefano to win, odds 2.25
