Linz Open: Giorgi vs Tauson Tennis Prediction & Pick

TennisSection previews the 2023 Linz Open as Camila Giorgi takes on Clara Tauson in the second round on Thursday, February 9, 2023.

It’s a power-hitting contest at the Linz Open which features Camila Giorgi taking on Danish lucky loser Clara Tauson. Who will prevail and move on to the quarterfinal?

It’s been a 180-degree turn from Camila Giorgi at this week’s Linz Open. Girogi was a shambles in the qualifying round of Lyon last week, losing 1-6 3-6 to Katie Swan. But she was quick out of the blocks in Austria, dismissing Jaqueline Cristian 6-1 6-2 in just 65 minutes. The last two times she scaled the second-round hurdle in Linz, Giorgi would either reach the final (2014) or won the tournament (2018). So can she find a way past the big-serving Clara Tauson?

Clara Tauson, meanwhile, got a second bite of the cherry at the Linz Open. Having lost in the second round of qualifying to Rebeka Masarova, she was called in to replace Katerina Siniakova in the main draw. And she grabbed that opportunity with both hands. Tauson took World No. 27 Irina-Camelia Begu to the cleaners in her opener, winning 84% first-serve points and snuffing away all four break points she faced. Will she reprise that result against Camila Giorgi on Thursday?

Clara Tauson leads Camila Giorgi 1-0 in their head-to-head. Incidentally, that meeting was played on indoor hard courts where Tauson won in straight sets in Lyon two years ago. The 20-year-old, long touted to take over the mantle as WTA’s next superstar, has been hampered by injuries in the past year. But her opening-round whitewash was a reminder of her talent and vast potential. She also loves playing in these conditions. Giorgi’s experience gives her the edge, but we like the Dane’s consistency in her approach shots to pay off.