2021 Western & Southern Open Round of 16 – Elena Rybakina vs Paula Badosa Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Elena Rybakina vs Paula Badosa taking place? Elena Rybakina vs Paula Badosa will take place at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Ohio, USA
When is Elena Rybakina vs Paula Badosa on and what time does it start? Thursday 19th August, 2021 – not before 21:15 (UK)
What surface is Elena Rybakina vs Paula Badosa being played on? Elena Rybakina vs Paula Badosa will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Elena Rybakina vs Paula Badosa? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Elena Rybakina vs Paula Badosa
What channel is Elena Rybakina vs Paula Badosa on? Elena Rybakina vs Paula Badosa will be televised on the Amazon Prime Video app on smart TVs
Where can I stream Elena Rybakina vs Paula Badosa? Amazon Prime subscribers can stream Elena Rybakina vs Paula Badosa live via their platform
THE PREDICTION
World number 19 Elena Rybakina has struggled a little since missing out on a Bronze Medal at the Tokyo Olympic Games last month to Elina Svitolina but the 22-year-old is too good to stay down for long. Rybakina is yet to drop a set this week in Cincinnati with two convincing wins over Sam Stosur and the 15th seed Elise Mertens, and it looks like she has opted for more Doubles action for more match practice ahead of the US Open next month. World number 31 Paula Badosa is also in Doubles action alongside another Spaniard enjoying her best season on tour in Sara Sorribes Tormo, though Badosa’s campaign this week stands out most of all. The 23-year-old has come back from a set down twice now against Petra Martic and then fabulously against third seed Aryna Sabalenka on Wednesday. This should be a thrilling round of 16 clash between two excellent players.
Rybakina was the winner of their only previous tour-level meeting back in 2019 at the Bucharest Open. However, both players have come on leaps and bounds since then and this looks like the toughest match to call in Cincinnati on Thursday. Given her exploits against Sabalenka, take Badosa to win at least a set here but this looks like needing a decider before anyone reaches the quarter-finals.
