Arina Sabalenka vs Elena Rybakina Predictions, Betting Tips and Odds

The third round of Group A of the WTA Finals will feature an exciting match between world number one Aryna Sabalenka and world number five Elena Rybakina. It is worth noting that world number one Sabalenka, with a perfect 2-0 record in the group and an impressive streak of seven straight wins, is in very good shape. As for Rybakina, she was unable to find her rhythm in this tournament, as she was defeated in two matches in the group stage. However, with a head-to-head score of 7-4 in Sabalenka’s favour, Rybakina will be looking to break that momentum and stay alive in the tournament.

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Match Preview

With both players known for their fast serves and aggressive baseline play, this promises to be a battle of pure power. Sabalenka’s recent performances indicate consistent dominance towards finishing matches in straight sets. Rybakina has, at least on paper, the tools to beat Sabalenka if she can improve her accuracy and continue to use a powerful first serve. Traditionally, their matches were tense and tied. Just remember the last time they faced each other in the semi-finals of the WTA Madrid 2024, where Sabalenka managed to win a pulsating three-setter.

Tactical Approach

Basic aggression has been the hallmark of Sabalenka’s success. Deep groundstrokes will play a key role in her strategy-supporting plays and force Rybakina to make mistakes. She returns a high percentage of first serves and manages to defend most of her service games, often from a tactical point of view. Sabalenka will especially try to use Rybakina’s movements on those wide shots that throw her off balance.

Rybakina’s path to victory will, of course, be to consolidate her serves and put more pressure on Sabalenka’s second serve. She can hit brilliant winners from defensive positions and can use her court presence to extend rallies. Rybakina can also try to take the rhythm away from Sabalenka, mixing it up so that clean strikes and well-timed strikes can get Sabalenka out of position.

Expert Betting Tips

Considering her upcoming form, Sabalenka will enter this match as a favorite. Her aggressive playing style, coupled with the fact that she recently beat Zheng and Paolini in straight sets, really proves that she is capable of finishing sets with determination. It is in these areas – consistency in serving and maintaining play in difficult moments – that Sabalenka can make a difference. Rybakina, however, is a competitor known for turning matches around, and given the situation, a tough challenge could help bring out her best.

• Aryna Sabalenka wins or more in 17.5 games with odds of 1.73
• Over 20.5 games with odds of 1.77
• Over 21.5 games with odds of 1.90