Aryna Sabalenka vs Elena Rybakina: 2023 WTA Finals - Preview & Prediction
WTA
Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina had some good battles this year, and a new one is coming at the 2023 WTA Finals.
Sabalenka and Rybakina are part of the so-called WTA Big Three that stood out this year among other players. While Coco Gauff's recent surge certainly added her among those who performed best this year, these two were there for much of this year.
They both won big trophies this year, beating the other player in the final. Both also play a very similar style that works well in these modern times, and that's why they both have been as good as they have been this year.
Head-to-head:
When it comes to their matches, we have seen 7 of them so far. Three of them happened this year, including the most important one, which was the first they played. It was the Australian Open final, which Rybakina lost in three sets despite winning the opening set.
She got her revenge in Indian Wells, beating Sabalenka in two sets, while Rybakina won the most recent one in two sets. It tells us that the Kazakhstani player has plenty of ways to hurt Sabalenka with her tremendous baseline play.
Prediction:
It doesn't tell us how this one will go, though. It's a completely new venue which was built just a few days ago. Neither player has had a lot of practice on the courts, and the previous days featured rather windy weather.
All of that will impact play, and somehow, I feel like Sabalenka might benefit from that. In perfect conditions, I might favour Rybakina, but with all of this, I think Sabalenka might get the edge.
Ultimately, it's tough to say, but I will back the Belarusian. I think she'll show up in this very important match.
Prediction: Aryna Sabalenka to win in two sets.
