Australian Open 2024: Elina Svitolina vs. Taylah Preston preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds and pick
Match Details
Fixture: (19) Elina Svitolina vs. Taylah Preston
Tournament: Australian Open 2024
Round: First round
Date: Sunday, January 14
Venue: Melbourne Park, Australia
Category: Grand Slam
Surface: Outdoor Hardcourt
Prize money: $58.91 million
Live telecast: North America - Tennis Channel, ESPN | Europe- Eurosport, Servas TV | Asia Pacific & Oceania - Channel 9, Tennis Channel | Africa - Super Sport, bein Sports.
Elina Svitolina vs. Taylah Preston preview
Elina Svitolina, the 29-year-old from Ukraine, made a comeback post-pregnancy last year. She surprised tennis lovers around the world by reaching the Wimbledon semifinal almost immediately on her return to tennis. Svitolina also reached the final of the ASB Classic in Auckland last week before losing narrowly to Coco Gauff of United States.
The Ukrainian has 17 WTA singles titles to her credit and is quite experienced at the highest level. She is also among the title-contenders in Melbourne and finds herself just below the likes of Elena Rybakina, Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff in the pecking order.
In comparison, Preston is a newbie and has come through the junior ranks recently. The 18-year-old Australian will make her Grand Slam main draw debut at Melbourne Park on Monday and would be looking to gain some valuable experience. The youngster from Perth is ranked World No. 203 and will be playing in the tournament as a wild-card entrant.
Elina Svitolina vs. Taylah Preston head-to-head:
The two players are yet to play against each other and their head-to-head stands at 0-0 at the moment.
Elina Svitolina vs. Taylah Preston match odds:
(Odds to be updated once they are released)
Elina Svitolina vs. Taylah Preston prediction
It seems to be a pretty straightforward first-round match for the experienced Ukrainian. She would want to finish it off without breaking much sweat and thereby remain fresh for the subsequent rounds.
Svitolina’s serve and backhand looked in good shape at the ASB Classic and she seems to be in proper physical condition as well. However, she should also not commit the mistake of taking things too lightly, as Preston has a decent win-loss record of 55-24 in her career so far.
The Australian will be not be a pushover, especially on home soil. However, Preston would have to play considerably well to make a match of it and stretch her Ukrainian opponent. It remains to be seen whether she is able to do that.
Pick: Svitolina to win in straight sets.