Dubai Tennis Championships 2023: Elena Rybakina vs Bianca Andreescu preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds and pick
Match Details
Fixture: (9) Elena Rybakina vs Bianca Andreescu.
Date: February 20, 2023.
Tournament: Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships 2023.
Round: First round (Round of 64).
Venue: Aviation Club Tennis Center, Dubai, UAE.
Category: WTA 1000.
Surface: Outdoor Hardcourt.
Prize money: $2,788,468.
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Amazon Prime Video.
Elena Rybakina vs Bianca Andreescu preview
Elena Rybakina and Bianca Andreescu will clash in the first round in Dubai on Monday in a blockbuster battle between two Grand Slam champions.
Following the 2022 season that saw her lift her maiden Major trophy at Wimbledon, Rybakina has managed to carry the momentum into the new year.
While her two Australian Open warmup tournaments in Adelaide ended in early exits, the 23-year-old made a stunning turnaround at Melbourne Park. With six wins on the trot, the Kazakh reached the final, where she went down fighting in three sets against Aryna Sabalenka.
The World No. 10 then made the last eight in Abu Dhabi before succumbing to a three-set defeat against Beatriz Haddad Maia. A well-rested Rybakina will now aim to make a deep run in Dubai, a tournament where she has fond memories of finishing as the runner-up in 2020.
Andreescu, meanwhile, made an underwhelming start to the 2023 season, losing in the second round at both the Adelaide International 1 and the Australian Open. The 2019 US Open champion then rebounded in the WTA 250 event in Hua Hin, Thailand, with three wins in a row to reach the semifinals.
Just when the Canadian was beginning to look like a title contender, injury struck again at an inopportune time, forcing her to retire midway through her semifinal match.
Andreescu made a swift return a few days later in Abu Dhabi. Although she twice led by a break in the first set, the World No. 36 ultimately fell in straight sets to Yulia Putintseva in the first round.
Elena Rybakina vs Bianca Andreescu head-to-head
Rybakina has a 1-0 lead in her head-to-head with Andreescu. The Kazakh won their only encounter so far 6-4, 7-6 (5) in the second round at Wimbledon last year.
Elena Rybakina vs Bianca Andreescu odds
(Odds sourced from BetMGM)
Elena Rybakina vs Bianca Andreescu prediction
Elena Rybakina comes into this contest as the favorite by dint of her recent results. The Kazakh has been striking the ball confidently over the past few months and has improved the mental aspect of the game, reaping her huge dividends.
The aggressive Rybakina likes to take the ball early and is a fine mover, with her booming serve being an added bonus. However, she won't have it all her way.
Bianca Andreescu is adept at mixing up her strong baseline hitting with slices and dropshots. The Canadian's variety could pose a few questions and could briefly throw Rybakina off her rhythm.
However, Andreescu's fitness is still a concern and it remains to be seen how long she can hold up against an in-form player like Rybakina.
Pick: Elena Rybakina to win in three sets.