2021 US Open Third Round – Elena Rybakina vs Simona Halep Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Elena Rybakina vs Simona Halep taking place? Elena Rybakina vs Simona Halep will take place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, New York, USA
When is Elena Rybakina vs Simona Halep on and what time does it start? Friday 3rd September, 2021 – not before 16:00 (UK)
What surface is Elena Rybakina vs Simona Halep being played on? Elena Rybakina vs Simona Halep will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Elena Rybakina vs Simona Halep? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Elena Rybakina vs Simona Halep
What channel is Elena Rybakina 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 Elena Rybakina vs Simona Halep
Where can I stream Elena Rybakina vs Simona Halep in the UK? Amazon Prime subscribers may be able to stream Elena Rybakina vs Simona Halep live via their platform
THE LOWDOWN
Two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep is enjoying her first major appearance since the Australian Open with two straight-set wins over Camila Giorgi and Kristina Kucova. The current world number 13 should be able to make her way back to the top of the game sooner rather than later in this form but the US Open remains her least successful Grand Slam. 22-year-old Elena Rybakina is also yet to drop a set in New York with two comfortable wins over Aliaksandra Sasnovich and Caroline Garcia. The Kazakh is tipped for big things and she is already well established as a consistent top 20 player.
THE PREDICTION
This is a proper test of Simona Halep’s credentials in the third round against world number 20 Elena Rybakina, with neither player giving up a set yet at the US Open. Despite a stunning win over in-form Camila Giorgi in the first round, Halep’s true fitness remains a mystery and Rybakina will do well to make the Romanian run for as much as she can in what looks an enjoyable clash of pace versus power here. Rybakina won their first meeting via Halep’s retirement at the 2019 Wuhan Open but the Halep returned the favour in the final of last season’s Dubai Open, where she came back from a set down to win the title. It is hard to expect Halep to bet at her combative best but she has looked great so far in New York. Take Halep to win at least a set as a cautious alternative to picking a tight result.
