World No.19 Elena Rybakina will open up against Russian veteran Vera Zvonareva in the first round of the 2021 Australian Open on Monday, February 8. Timings of this match will be available upon the release of Order of Play. Get the live streaming options of this Elena Rybakina v Vera Zvonareva match along with its preview, head to head, and tips here.
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Elena Rybakina v Vera Zvonareva Head to Head
These two players have never met before this.
Also Read:
Rybakina Suffered A Shock Defeat To Krejcikova
At this stage last season, Elena Rybakina arrived in Melbourne as a WTA titlist. She had just won the Hobart International, her second WTA title. The journey from Tasmania’s capital was naturally one of contemplation for a player who took the tennis world by storm in 2020.
Four more tournaments would be played before the tour was shutdown temporarily. Rybakina made two finals, lost one in third round (Australian Open) and fail to complete the other due to fatigue.
Her mesmeric start to the year had many people believing in the hype. She has since turned it into potential. Rybakina has sustained that level that she is now considered a dark horse at this year’s Australian Open.
The 6 footer from Kazakhstan begins her journey in what promises to be a tricky path if she is to do the unthinkable. A first round meeting against the veteran Vera Zvonareva is on the cards, and there is a projected third round match against Poland’s first Grand Slam singles champion Iga Swiatek on the horizon.
The 21-year-old, seeded 17th, reached the quarterfinals of the Abu Dhabi Open in her first tournament of the year, where she lost to the inspired Aryna Sabalenka. After undergoing hard quarantine, Rybakina was beaten by Barbora Krejcikova in her first outing at the Grampians Trophy in Melbourne.
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Zvonareva Set For 13th Australian Open Main Draw Appearance
At 36, Vera Zvonareva is set to make her 13th appearance in the Australian Open main draw and her first in six years. Twice a semifinalist at Melbourne Park, the Russian had the misfortune of running straight-face into the hands of Dinara Safina and Kim Clijsters in 2009, and 2011, to lose a spot in the championship match.
There can be no regrets for the Russian veteran, who has amassed 12 career titles and has reached two Grand Slam finals (Wimbledon and US Open 2010), and is one of handful of mothers competing on the WTA circuit.
Since coming out of retirement in 2017, Zvonareva recorded most her good results at tour-level in 2020 season. She won 18 matches, including a run to WTA 125K at Indian Wells and reached the third round of the Cincinnati Masters.
She currently sits at world no.156 and seeks to record one of the biggest upsets on Day 1 of the Australian Open she she faces one the breakout stars, Elena Rybakina.
Rybakina v Zvonareva Prediction and Tip
We can safely assume Rybakina’s latest defeat to Krejcikova was a blip, after playing very well in her first tournament in Abu Dhabi. While I expect Zvonareva to be a menace, Rybakina’s class should shine.
Tip: Rybakina to win in straight sets: 1/1 (bet365)
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The 2021 Australian Open will be played from February 8 to 21. You can watch & bet on the these matches here. Get your latest premium tennis predictions here.
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