WTA BNP Paribas Open: Iga Swiatek vs. Elena Rybakina Preview, Head-to-Head, and Prediction

The upcoming semifinal match between world no.1 Iga Swiatek and no.10 Elena Rybakina at Indian Wells Masters has tennis fans on the edge of their seats. While Swiatek is definitely looking like she could be going on a dominant run, Rybakina sure won’t let her chance go without a tough fight. Fans will definitely flock to the box at the Indian Wells Masters to witness these two young, talented players fighting it out for a spot in the finals.

The other semifinal match is between Belarusian star Aryna Sabalenka and Greece’s Maria Sakkari. However, this match between Swiatek and Rybakina is garnering equal attention from fans. While the world no.1 is definitely displaying an indomitable urge to clinch the title, Rybakina has shown strong resilience against Swiatek in their recent Australian Open encounter.

Elena Rybakina vs. Iga Swiatek: Match Preview

Swiatek stands in the semifinal round after defeating Britain’s Emma Raducanu in straight sets of 6-3, 6-1. The first Polish player to bring home a Grand Slam title, Swiatek now stands at no.1, and as Pam Shriver puts it, she will not let any other player take over the court easily. Swiatek has been in excellent form in this season, especially in the Indian Wells Masters. She has not dropped a set in the tournament and has showcased her now iconic aggressive style with intent.

On the other hand, Rybakina is now in the semi-finals after a tough match with Paula Badosa, which she effectively ended in straight sets of 6-3, 7-5. With a powerful forehand and a strong serve, Rybakina will not back down without a strong fight to her Polish opponent. As seen in the Australian Open and the 2022 Wimbledon Championships, the star from Kazakhstan will be a tough test for the world no.1.

Read more: ‘Became More Aggressive’ – Iga Swiatek on How She Is Perfecting an All-Round Game With Her New Coach

Rybakina vs. Swiatek: Head-to-Head

This will be the third time Rybakina meets Swiatek, with each of them having won a match in their head-to-head record. With Rybakina’s fluctuating form, she managed to defeat Swiatek in their recent encounter at the Australian Open. She took the match in straight sets of 6-4 6-4 in the fourth round. If anything, this will further boost her confidence this time.

Before that, Swiatek beat Rybakina at the Ostrava Open quarterfinals in two sets, 7-6 6-2.

Prediction: Swiatek to the finals in straight sets

Swiatek is known for being at her best under pressure and she is great at converting match points – so Rybakina does have to keep a close eye if she wants to make it to the finals.

Although Rybakina will definitely try her best to secure a win, she does have her work cut-out against the Pole who has reached a 16-3 win record for the season. Rybakina stands at a 10-8 win-loss stat, which makes it evident that she will have to pick up an extraordinary pace if she wants to take away this win from Swiatek. Swiatek, however, stands a better chance as she has been maintaining a consistent form this season.

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