Canadian Open 2024: Aryna Sabalenka vs Yue Yuan preview, head-to-head, prediction and pick
Match details
Fixture: (2) Aryna Sabalenka vs Yue Yuan
Date: August 9, 2024
Tournament: Canadian Open 2024
Round: Second round (Round of 32)
Venue: Toronto, Canada
Category: WTA 1000
Surface: Hard
Prize money: $2,788,468
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | Canada - Sportsnet, TVA Sports | UK - Amazon Prime Video | India - Sony Liv
Aryna Sabalenka vs Yue Yuan preview
Second seed Aryna Sabalenka will take on Yuan Yue in the second round of the Canadian Open.
Sabalenka has been among the top five performers on the women's tour this year. She's chalked up 33 wins from 43 matches, including a sensational title triumph in the Australian Open. She also secured runner-up finishes in Brisbane, Madrid, and Rome, where she lost to her arch-rival Iga Swiatek in the finals.
The Belarusian will enter Toronto on the back of a semifinal run in Washington. She outclassed the likes of Victoria Azarenka and Kamilla Rakhimova in her first two matches but came up shy against Marie Bouzkova in the last four. The resilient Czech outlasted Sabalenka in two hours and 12 minutes, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.
Yue Yuan, meanwhile, has had an encouraging season so far, amassing 22 wins from 38 matches including a title-winning run in the ATX Open. She also reached the semifinals in Hobart and quarterfinals in Indian Wells, where she lost to Coco Gauff in straight sets.
The 25-year-old entered Toronto on the back of a second round exit in the Paris Olympics. She started her campaign by cruising past Cristina Bucsa in the first round, 6-3, 6-3. Yuan will be hoping to present a stern challenge to Sabalenka in the second round.
Aryna Sabalenka vs Yue Yuan head-to-head
The head-to-head between Sabalenka and Yuan is poised at 0-0.
Aryna Sabalenka vs Yue Yuan odds
Odds will be updated when available.
Aryna Sabalenka vs Yue Yuan prediction
Aryna Sabalenka will feel gutted to have not won more titles this year after successfully defending her crown in Melbourne. The Belarusian has been cautious about her scheduling and opted to skip the Paris Olympics. She will be eager to find her rhythm in the Canadian Open and put up a clinical performance.
Yuan, on the contrary, has struggled to make a valuable contribution at Grand Slam events, exiting the Australian Open, French Open and the Wimbledon Championships in the first round. The 25-year-old will be keen to prepare well for New York and set the tone early in Toronto.
Considering their recent results and record at WTA 1000 events, Sabalenka will be a clear favorite to come out on top. Yuan is known for her effortless movement and fearless brand of tennis. However, the Belarusian's counterpunching abilities and confident run in the Citi Open last week and should see her through to the second round.
Pick: Sabalenka to win in three sets.