Elina Svitolina vs Aryna Sabalenka Preview & Prediction | 2024 Italian Open | Round of 16
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THE FACTS
What is this tournament classed as in terms of ranking points? WTA 1000
When is Elina Svitolina vs Aryna Sabalenka on and what time does it start? Elina Svitolina vs Aryna Sabalenka will take place on Monday 13th May, 2024 – not before 19:30 (UK)
Where is Elina Svitolina vs Aryna Sabalenka taking place? Elina Svitolina vs Aryna Sabalenka will take place at Foro Italico in Rome, Italy
What surface is Elina Svitolina vs Aryna Sabalenka being played on? Elina Svitolina vs Aryna Sabalenka will take place on an outdoor clay court
Where can I get tickets for Elina Svitolina vs Aryna Sabalenka? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Elina Svitolina vs Aryna Sabalenka
What channel is Elina Svitolina vs Aryna Sabalenka on in the UK? Elina Svitolina vs Aryna Sabalenka will be televised live on Sky Sports in the UK
Where can I stream Elina Svitolina vs Aryna Sabalenka in the UK? Sky Sports subscribers can stream Elina Svitolina vs Aryna Sabalenka live on Sky Go
THE PREDICTION
There are plenty of extenuating factors behind this fixture that should make it a proper thriller late on Monday night, with the backdrop of the war in Ukraine first and foremost. Former number three Elina Svitolina returned from maternity leave last summer with an all-new brand of aggressive tennis and a resolve to represent her besieged nation that has put her in the spotlight everywhere she goes but it was Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka that stopped her incredible nine-match winning streak in the quarter-finals of Roland-Garros almost 12 months ago. World number two Sabalenka leads their head-to-head 2-1 as things stand but the pair are 1-1 on clay, with Svitolina claiming her first of two Strasbourg Open titles via a three-set victory the Belarussian in the semi-finals there four years ago.
Svitolina has combatted back pain and recent tough form on clay to reach the round of 16 without yet dropping a set in Rome, where she is a two-time former champion from back-to-back years in 2016 and 2017, but Sabalenka remains the favourite after bursting back into her best form in Madrid. The 25-year-old was just edged out by Iga Swiatek in a thrilling final in the Spanish capital two weeks ago and she steadied the ship in Rome with a straight-sets victory over Dayana Yastremska on Sunday after an early scare in the first round. Back Sabalenka to win outright with three sets about as likely as two.
TIP: ARYNA SABALENKA TO WIN
