2021 US Open Round of 16 – Elina Svitolina vs Simona Halep Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Elina Svitolina vs Simona Halep taking place? Elina Svitolina vs Simona Halep will take place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, New York, USA
When is Elina Svitolina vs Simona Halep on and what time does it start? Sunday 5th September, 2021 – not before 17:00 (UK)
What surface is Elina Svitolina vs Simona Halep being played on? Elina Svitolina vs Simona Halep will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Elina Svitolina vs Simona Halep? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Elina Svitolina vs Simona Halep
What channel is Elina Svitolina vs Simona Halep on in the UK? Amazon have exclusive rights to show the 2021 US Open in the UK so it is worth checking the Amazon Prime Video app on smart TVs for Elina Svitolina vs Simona Halep
Where can I stream Elina Svitolina vs Simona Halep in the UK? Amazon Prime subscribers may be able to stream Elina Svitolina vs Simona Halep live via their platform
THE LOWDOWN
World number five Elina Svitolina extended her winning streak dating back to last week’s title at the Chicago Women’s Open to eight after beating Daria Kasatkina in straight sets on Friday. The 26-year-old is yet to drop a set at the US Open, which remains the Grand Slam she has placed highest at after reaching the semi-finals here in 2019. Two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep has endured the tougher draw so far and she battled through an excellent opponent in Elena Rybakina on Friday to win in three sets. That third round match lasted well over two hours and it remains to be seen just how much energy the Romanian has left after returning from a lengthy spell on the side-lines. Halep win Roland-Garros in 2018 and Wimbledon a year later, with the US Open her least successful major so far.
THE PREDICTION
Halep and Svitolina have spent the best part of a decade at the top of the sport and their nine previous meetings see finely-poised head-to-head record at 5-4 in favour of Halep. The 29-year-old beat Svitolina most recently in the semi-finals of her incredible Wimbledon-winning campaign in 2019 but Svitolina has won the two finals played between the pair at the Italian Open in 2017 and 2018. On hardcourts, their record sits even closer at three wins apiece, making this blockbuster all the more exciting on Sunday. Given the amount of tennis world number 13 Simona Halep has had to play already, and that she is coming back from injury still, the longer this match lasts the likelier it is that Svitolina will emerge victorious. The 26-year-old is on an eight-match winning streak that possibly makes her the favourite to scrape through here. Take Svitolina to win at least a set as the likelier of two very capable winners, with Halep’s Grand Slam champion experience sure to factor too.
