Emma Raducanu vs Serena Williams 8/16/22 Cincinnati Tennis Picks, Predictions, Odds

Serena Williams and Emma Raducanu meet in the first round of the 2022 tennis Western & Southern Open.

Serena Williams lost her second round match in Toronto to Belinda Bencic in straight sets. In the losing effort, Serena had 4 double faults and was broken 3 times. It was still a successful tournament considering it was Serena’s first appearance since Wimbledon, and she gained 4 sets on hard court to knock off the rust as she eyes one more last American run. Serena is expected to retire after the US Open, so you can guarantee the crowd will be out in full force, and she’s going to leave everything out there on the court. Serena has won 7 of her last 9 matches on hard court.

Emma Raducanu lost her opening match in Toronto to Camila Giorgi, where she was broken 6 times and won just 43 percent of her total service points. Raducanu has lost now 5 of her last 8 matches, and she’s seen each of her last 6 matches overall be decided in straight sets. Raducanu has had serious issues with her serve as of late, and that includes winning a low percentage of her first serve. We know what Raducanu is capable of when she’s on point, but she’s been a mixed bag since winning the US Open last year. Raducanu has lost her opening match 4 times since Miami. Raducanu has lost 6 of her last 9 matches on hard court.

There’s no match history between these 2 players.

Raducanu is probably going to be favored here, and she likely wins the match if she’s hitting her spots. The issue is Raducanu has been shaky at best these last few months, and her serve hasn’t been good. Serena isn’t the Serena we’re all used to seeing, but she can still destroy a weak serve. Also, Serena will have a packed house of support with her playing time limited. Even if it’s not pretty, I expect Serena to grind out a victory.

Give me Serena to advance.