Tangled Group B at the Tournament of Champions: Krejcicova and Pliskova to face off for second place

The group stage of the Tennis Tournament of Champions is coming to its conclusion. The quartet of Kontaveitova, Muguruza, Pliskova and Krejcikova offers a very interesting course. While the Estonian is assured of advancing to the semi-finals, the remaining 3 players will fight for the privilege in the deciding duels. What are the chances of our tennis players? What bizarre situation can happen?

Current situation in the group

kontaveit, 25, has been in great form in the second half of the season. Since August she has won 4 titles (Cleveland, Prague, Moscow, Cluj). She has lost only twice out of her last 30 duels, scalping Badosa, Sakkari, Muguruza and Halep.

She is currently on an admirable winning streak (12 wins in a row). She went to the Champions Tournament from the position of a big favourite, her performance clearly confirms it. She clearly outplayed both Barbora Krejcikova (6::3, 6::4) and Karolina Pliskova (6::4, 6::0) to advance to the semifinals. She can play her final group match against the Spaniard in complete comfort.

Karolina Pliskova is also in a solid starting position. In the opening match, the Czech defeated Muguruza (4::6, 6::2, 7::6). Against the Spaniard, she made a great turnaround and showed her true heart as a fighter. However, against the favourite Kontaveit she suffered a crushing defeat (4::6, 0::6). Her advantage is that she still has the promotion in her hands if she fulfils the paper requirements.

Muguruza is even better off. The Spaniard narrowly lost to Pliskova in a big battle. She also had an even match against Krejcikova, whom she finally defeated (2::6, 6::3, 6::4). She has a better set ratio than Pliskova, which may slightly favour her. However, in the final match of the group she will face Kontaveit, who is currently unbeaten.

The last place is currently occupied by Barbora Krejcikova. The Moravian tennis player has already looked lackluster in the Billie Jean Cup matches and it is similar in the Champions Tournament. She was not able to beat both Kontaveitova and Muguruza and her chances of advancing are slim. The match with Pliskova will also be a battle for the position of our number one tennis player. That could be an interesting motivation for her.

So what does the transfer math look like?

Pliskova will advance if:

• However she beats Krejcikova and Muguruza loses to Kontaveit

A very real possibility. Pliskova is historically good against Krejcikova (2::0, hasn’t lost a set to her). Moreover, the champion of this year’s Rolland Garros is not in an ideal playing condition, she produces a large number of unforced errors.

A loss for the Spaniard is also likely. It’s true that the Estonian is already assured of advancing and doesn’t have to give her best in this match. However, she is in great form and can extend her winning streak and earn another 250 ranking points for the victory. And that’s not a bad thing at all.

Muguruza advances when:

• She wins in 2 sets

• She wins in 3 sets and Krejcikova also takes at least a set from Pliskova

• She wins at least a set and Krejcikova beats Pliskova

In the case of the Spaniard, it’s most confusing. Mathematically, it doesn’t look bad for her at all, but she is facing a very tough opponent. Compared to Kontaveit, she will have more motivation, but the Estonian is playing much better than Muguruza.

A win for the Spaniard would be a big surprise. The Czech-Moravian clash will probably decide her promotion hopes. She will need a big coincidence to make it to the semifinals.

Krejcikova will advance if:

• She beats Pliskova 2:0 and Kontaveitova beats Muguruza by the same ratio

Even though Krejcikova lost both matches, she can still advance. But her chances of advancing are minimal. A clear win for the Estonian is quite possible. Her sovereign win over Pliskova not so much. She would have to improve her performance rapidly and that is not very likely. Moreover, she looks very tired and without energy. A successful season has clearly taken its toll on her.

What kind of bizarre situation can happen?

It is quite possible that all 3 players will have the same win record and even the same set ratio (1 win/2 losses, set score 3::5). This will happen if Kontaveit wins 2::0 and Krejcikova would win 2::1 against Pliskova. Then the tennis player who won the most games would advance.

The Spanish player has the best record so far (28), while Pliskova has won 21 games and Krejcikova 20. Krejcikova’s chances, on the other hand, would rise rapidly.

Source: Twitter, Livesport