Elena Rybakina is playing really strong tennis right now, but will she keep it going against Leylah Fernandez at the 2024 Qatar Open in Doha?
Rybakina has been playing amazing tennis for much of this year, even though she surprisingly lost at the Australian Open. She has two trophies to her name, one of which she won last week in Abu Dhabi, and that winning streak is still going strong.
She's now up to six matches and hopes to make it seven in a row against Fernandez, but expect the Canadian to be up for the task. She's always been one to like these big matchups against big players, though, on paper, she's very overmatched here.
Head-to-head:
They never played before, which is a bit strange, considering they've both been part of the top of the WTA for a while. The matchup on paper is a very interesting one because, on the one hand, there is Rybakina, who is a dominant force from the baseline.
On the other hand, there is a player who has a nasty lefty forehand, which can move Rybakina around a lot. That's one way to beat her because she's just not mobile enough to really run side-to-side catching tennis balls.
The best way for Fernandez to win is to try to impose herself from the baseline, which will be really tough. If she can find a good returning day and neutralize Rybakina's serve, then she might have a chance. If Rybakina can get the tempo in the rally with her serve, then Fernandez will be in a lot of trouble.
Prediction:
It's tough to really predict which player might emerge on top here because I really like this matchup for Fernandez. She is crafty enough to create some tough angles for Rybakina but it will depend on the day. I somehow think she'll get it done.
Preview: Leylah Fernandez to win in two sets.
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