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January 20 2023, 22:23 · Adam Evans

Iga Swiatek vs Elena Rybakina – Round of 16 – Preview & Prediction | 2023 Australian Open

Iga Swiatek vs Elena Rybakina – Round of 16 – Preview & Prediction | 2023 Australian Open

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THE FACTS

When is Iga Swiatek vs Elena Rybakina on and what time does it start? Iga Swiatek vs Elena Rybakina will take place on Sunday 22nd January, 2023 – not before 01:30 (UK)

Where is Iga Swiatek vs Elena Rybakina taking place? Iga Swiatek vs Elena Rybakina will take place at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia

What surface is Iga Swiatek vs Elena Rybakina being played on? Iga Swiatek vs Elena Rybakina will take place on an outdoor hard court

Where can I get tickets for Iga Swiatek vs Elena Rybakina? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Iga Swiatek vs Elena Rybakina

What channel is Iga Swiatek vs Elena Rybakina on in the UK? Iga Swiatek vs Elena Rybakina will be televised live on Eurosport

Where can I stream Iga Swiatek vs Elena Rybakina in the UK? Eurosport subscribers can stream Iga Swiatek vs Elena Rybakina live on their website, while Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match live on Sky Go

THE LOWDOWN

IGA SWIATEK

World number one Iga Swiatek has conceded fewer and fewer games with each passing round as she continues to play herself into title-winning form at the Australian Open. The 21-year-old conceded just one game to Cristina Bucsa, who upset Bianca Andreescu on the second round, on Friday with the sort of ruthless tennis that helped her claim her second and third Grand Slam titles at Roland-Garros and the US Open last season. Swiatek reached the semi-finals here last season before defeat to Danielle Collins but she was more than ready to fill the void left by Ash Barty at the top of the sport, winning a total of eight titles last season including four Masters events.

ELENA RYBAKINA

Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina coasted through her first two rounds at the Australian Open before a more high-profile clash with last season’s runner-up, Danielle Collins, went her way in three sets. The 23-year-old saw her serve broken for only the second time this tournament by Collins, who played well, and she looks a genuine title contender if she can provide the upset against the clear favourite here. World number 25 Rybakina should be considered a top 10 player in all but rank after her Wimbledon victory was left a little cold by the controversial lack of ranking points.

THE PREDICTION

It is no great overstatement to suggest that the Australian Open champion will come from this match-up but the likes of Aryna Sabalenka, Jessica Pegula and Caroline Garcia still have plenty to say about it. World number one Iga Swiatek survived an early scare against Jule Niemeier in the first round and she has not seemed to look back as she continues to play as ruthless a streak in the early stages of Grand Slams as her idol Rafael Nadal. Elena Rybakina is something of an enigma on tour but the level-headed Wimbledon champion is incredibly hard to break down and it would be a huge surprise to see her beaten easily here. Swiatek beat Rybakina in tight straight-sets at the Ostrava Open in 2021 but both players have vastly improved. Back Swiatek to win outright here but seriously consider at least a set inside an accumulator.