Ann Li vs Aryna Sabalenka: 2023 Cincinnati Masters - Preview & Prediction
WTA
Aryna Sabalenka didn't feel physically well in Montreal, but she hopes the 2023 Cincinnati Masters will be a more pleasant experience.
She'll be facing native player Ann Li, who had an impressive comeback win over Magda Linette in the previous round of the WTA 1000 event. Sabalenka played only two matches since her Wimbledon exit against Jabeur, and it's been a mixed bag. She defeated Petra Martic comfortably but then lost against Liudmila Samsonova.
It was an odd match for the Belarusian as she didn't play well but still was really competitive against a player that ended up in the final. After the match, Sabalenka admitted to feeling unwell but remained upbeat for the upcoming events.
Well, it's here. She's in Cincinnati to take on Ann Li, a very aggressive baseliner who will try to put a lot of pressure on her. It should work in theory, but she'll get even faster balls back and how she handles that will determine the match.
Head-to-head:
They played one match so far, but it was two years ago in Melbourne. Sabalenka was a much better player in that match, demolishing any hopes of Li winning with a resounding 6-3 6-1 performance.
Prediction:
Technically there is a chance for it to happen again, but there is a bit more nuance to it. The serve will be significant for both players, and Sabalenka has a clear advantage there unless she has twice as many double faults.
She's not struggling with it as much as in the past but did post 11 double faults against Samsonova. Li will punish any short ball she gets, and there should be quite a few considering how bouncy they get at nighttime.
The win condition for Sabalenka will be to handle the conditions better and win the baseline rallies. If she does that, she'll be golden.
Prediction: Sabalenka to win in three sets.
