Elena Rybakina vs Liudmila Samsonova Preview & Prediction | 2023 China Open | Semi-Final
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THE FACTS
When is Elena Rybakina vs Liudmila Samsonova on and what time does it start? Elena Rybakina vs Liudmila Samsonova will take place on Saturday 7th October, 2023 – not before 09:30 (UK)
Where is Elena Rybakina vs Liudmila Samsonova taking place? Elena Rybakina vs Liudmila Samsonova will take place at the National Tennis Center in Beijing, USA
What surface is Elena Rybakina vs Liudmila Samsonova being played on? Elena Rybakina vs Liudmila Samsonova will take place on an outdoor hard court
What channel is Elena Rybakina vs Liudmila Samsonova on in the UK? Elena Rybakina vs Liudmila Samsonova will be televised live on the Amazon Prime app on Smart TVs
Where can I stream Elena Rybakina vs Liudmila Samsonova in the UK? Amazon Prime subscribers can stream Elena Rybakina vs Liudmila Samsonova live on the Prime Video app
THE PREDICTION
World number five Elena Rybakina stunned new number one Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets on Friday to prove herself vastly improved on recent months. The 24-year-old has struggled on and off the court with myriad issues since contracting a virus at Roland-Garros in May but her shoulder looks back to normal, allowing her to fully utilise her impeccable serve, and that steely resolve is back. This will be a fascinating clash on Saturday as world number 22 Liudmila Samsonova leads their head-to-head record 3-0, with two victories against a more potent Rybakina before their controversially scheduled semi-final at the Canada Masters saw both players exhausted. Samsonova, also 24, beat Jelena Ostapenko in straight sets on Friday to back-up some hard-fought wins over Marta Kostyuk and Petra Kvitova in Beijing.
The Russian failed to defend her Tokyo Open title last week, her last of three titles claimed in quick succession last season, but that only seems to have boosted her resolve for more. Rybakina remains the favourite despite her record against Samsonova and the Kazakh has earned at least a set in two of their three encounters. Take that option to leave the victor up to chance or risk an outright call on Rybakina to edge through to the final.
