US Open 2024: Iga Swiatek vs Kamilla Rakhimova preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds, and pick
Match Details
Fixture: (1) Iga Swiatek vs Kamilla Rakhimova
Date: Tuesday, August 27, 2024
Tournament: US Open 2024
Round: First Round (Round of 128)
Venue: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, New York, U.S.
Category: Grand Slam
Surface: Hard
Prize Money: $75,000,000
Live Telecast: USA - ESPN | UK - Sky Sports | Canada - TSN, RDS | India - Sony Network
Iga Swiatek vs Kamilla Rakhimova preview
Top seed Iga Swiatek is slated to open her 2024 US Open campaign against Russian qualifier Kamilla Rakhimova in the opening round on Tuesday, August 27.
Swiatek has had another outstanding season so far, heading into the US Open with an impressive 50-6 match record and five titles. Her first title of the year came in Qatar, where she defeated Elena Rybakina after a disappointing exit from the 2024 Australian Open in the third round. She carried that momentum into Indian Wells, where she claimed her second title of the season against Maria Sakkari.
Swiatek continued to shine on clay, winning back-to-back titles in Madrid and Rome, both against Aryna Sabalenka. She then went on to secure her third consecutive French Open title and her fourth overall, with a commanding victory over Jasmine Paolini. Despite being favored to win gold at the Olympics, Swiatek experienced a heartbreaking loss in the semifinals, falling in straight sets to Zheng Qinwen. She, however, later claimed the bronze medal. The Pole heads to the US Open following a semifinal defeat to Sabalenka in Cincinnati.
Rakhimova, meanwhile, has a 21-24 record in singles competition this year. Her best results include a couple of semifinal finishes in Bogota and Rabat. She incidentally won the doubles title at the Copa Colsanitas in Bogota alongside Cristina Bucsa against Ana Bondar and Irina Khromacheva.
Rakhimova kicked off her US Open campaign in the qualifiers as the top seed. She comfortably saw off compatriots Oksana Selekhmeteva and Maria Timofeeva in the opening two rounds, before getting the better of Priscilla Hon in a tight three-setter to book her spot in the main draw.
Iga Swiatek vs Kamilla Rakhimova head-to-head
Iga Swiatek and Kamilla Rakhimova are yet to face off in professional competition, so their head-to-head currently stands at 0-0.
Iga Swiatek vs Kamilla Rakhimova odds
(Odds sourced from BetMGM)
Iga Swiatek vs Kamilla Rakhimova prediction
Iga Swiatek's form this year and superior hard court experience should see her comfortably make it through this encounter. While she hasn't had the ideal build-up to the New York Major, her class is expected to shine through and see her make another deep run at the event.
Rakhimova's form of late has been a worry too, and she could see herself at the exit door very soon if she does not attack Swiatek from the get-go. Serving well will be key, but returning consistently and attacking the net on the fast courts at the Flushing Meadows will also be imperative if she is to cause the upset.
Swiatek should pass this test with relative ease and could either face Daria Saville or Ena Shibahara next.
Pick: Swiatek in straight sets.