Fasten your seatbelts for a heavyweight clash between Aryna Sabalenka and Elina Svitolina in the R16 of the Cincinnati Masters. Both of these players have been involved in quite a few dramatic moments in the past. Now, it’ll be interesting to see what drama lies ahead of us from this epic encounter. Sabalenka failed to make the most of her long run in Washington and Toronto, however, she has insisted that it won’t be a big issue moving ahead, as she has a “short-term memory“. The Belarusian has started from scratch in Cincinnati!

Aryna Sabalenka vs Elina Svitolina: Preview

In Cincinnati, Sabalenka has already got off to a winning start against Elisabetta Cocciaretto (ITA) in the R32. The 26-year-old defeated her opponent by 6-3,6-4 and now she’ll be keen to secure her place in the QF. If we look at her previous runs this season, apart from clinching the title at AO, Sabalenka has reached three finals, one SF, and four QFs this season.

On the other hand, Svitolina has reached only one final and one QF this season, so far. In Cincinnati, she defeated China’s Wang Yafan in a three-setter in her first match. Then, in the second, she outclassed the Spaniard, Jessica Bouzas Maneiro by 6-4,6-1. Fans perhaps will now be eager to know what will be the scoreline in the R16 clash. We’ll get to that prediction part, but first, let’s take a look at who’s leading their H2H scoreline.

Sabalenka vs Svitolina: Head-to-Head

Both of these superstars of women’s tennis have now played against each other four times in their careers. Currently, Svitolina leads the H2H by a 3-1 margin.

• 2018 Wuhan Tennis Open R32: Sabalenka 6-4,2-6,6-1.
• 2020 Internationaux de Strasbourg SF: Svitolina 6-2,4-6,6-4.
• 2023 French Open QF: Sabalenka 6-4,6-4.
• 2024 Italian Open R16: Sabalenka 4-6,6-1,7-6(7).

Prediction: Sabalenka to win in three sets

A shoulder injury kept Sabalenka out of action for almost 40 days. Although she has made quite a few long runs into the tournaments this year, she has struggled a bit after coming back from injury and has lost some comparatively easy matches against quite a few less formidable opponents. This should be a big worry in the Belarusian camp. However, if we compare their win-loss record this year, Sabalenka (3) has won 35 matches and lost 11 matches, while Svitolina (29) has a win-loss record of 27-15.

Talking about their playing styles, Sabalenka is more of a baseliner with a very aggressive style of play. She often accumulates a high number of winners and also unforced errors all at the same time. Her fiery serves and lightning groundstrokes sometimes can be too hot to handle for her opponents. However, Sabalenka is a bit prone to committing a high number of double faults and this is where Svitolina may get some advantage in this match. The Belarusian tennis star has committed 146 double faults so far this season!

Svitolina is also a baseliner but with a comparatively defensive style of play. However, she is well capable of turning defense to offense when given the chance, but will Sabalenka give her the chance? Svitolina’s consistent and powerful groundstrokes are something that Sabalenka needs to keep an eye on.

If we compare a bit, Svitolina’s backhand is more on the stronger side, especially down the line and on the run. Her major weakness has been her second serve. The Ukrainian is also often seen struggling a bit against players who are very aggressive and not prone to committing too many unforced errors in their matches. So, if Sabalenka can put a check on her double fault counts, she can surely seal the deal in this thrilling battle!