Japan Open 2022 First Round: Elena Rybakina vs Luidmila Samsonova Preview and Prediction

Japan Open 2022 First Round: Elena Rybakina vs Luidmila Samsonova Preview and Prediction

Elena Rybakina and Liudmila Samsonova

Eighth seed Elena Rybakina will face Liudmila Samsonova in the first round of the Japan Open. The Kazakhstan tennis professional although not entirely dominantly seen playing in singles, for a change will try her luck against Samsonova at the ATP 500 event.

The Kazakh hasn’t been the most dominant player this season but enjoyed the finest hour of her young career at Wimbledon. Rybakina won the grass-court Major by beating Ons Jabeur in the final, thus becoming the first player from her nation to win a Grand Slam singles title.

Elena Rybakina vs Luidmila Samsonova: Match Details

  • Tournament: Japan Open
  • Match: Elena Rybakina vs Luidmila Samsonova
  • Round: Round of 32
  • Date: 20th September 2022
  • Venue: Tokyo, Japan
  • Surface: Hard
  • Prize Money: $15,235

Elena Rybakina vs Luidmila Samsonova: Preview

The 23-year-old Elena Rybakina reached the quarterfinals of the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati before losing to Madison Keys. Rybakina then suffered an opening-round exit at the US Open as she was beaten 6-4, 6-4 by French qualifier Clara Burel.

FS Video

The Kazakh is currently competing at the Slovenia Open and booked her place in the final with wins over Laura Siegemund (6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(8)), Tereza Martincova (6-4, 6-1), Lesia Tsurenko (walkover) and Ana Bogdan (6-1, 6-1).

Samsonova has produced some pretty impressive performances lately, winning back-to-back titles at the Citi Open and Tennis in the Land. She won the latter tournament without dropping a single set.

The Russian then competed at the US Open and reached the last 16 with straight-set wins over Sara Bejlek, Leylah Fernandez and Aleksandra Krunic. She lost to Ajla Tomljanovic in the fourth round, snapping a 13-match winning streak.

https://youtu.be/5mkpv4tKqO4

Elena Rybakina vs Luidmila Samsonova: Prediction

Elena Rybakina
Elena Rybakina

The match promises to be an exciting one given that there isn’t too much to separate both players. Rybakina has won a Grand Slam this season but Samsonova has been in pretty good form over the past couple of weeks, winning 13 out of 14 matches in her last three tournaments.

The Kazakh’s serve is an effective weapon of hers and she will also look to make the most out of her strong groundstrokes. Rybakina’s on-court composure will also come in handy if she is in a tough spot during the match.

Samsonova has a strong and capable serve, with the Russian hitting 11 aces against Leylah Fernandez at the US Open. The Russian has a strong and effective forehand and will look to finish off points with it.

Eventually, it might come down to whichever player is mentally stronger. Both players have had some good moments this season, but Rybakina’s composure and power-hitting might just be enough to take her to the next round.

Prediction: Rybakina to win in three sets.

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