Anna Kalinskaya vs Elena Rybakina Prediction: Elena has become a superstar, Anna is rising

The WTA scene has shifted to the clay courts and this is because the French Open, the only Grand Slam on the clay court is barely a month away. The current window is crucial for athletes that are raring to get a rhythm before the beginning of the much-coveted Roland Garros(French Open). In this game on the clay court, Anna Kalinskaya will take on Elena Rybakina.

Kalinskaya enters the match-up after defeating Brenda Fruhvirtova 2-6, 6-4, 6-4. Anna had 12 double faults but still survived! Although she won the game, she was outscored by four points when it was all said and done. She had a narrow 48:44 service points edge while being taken over in terms of the receiving points(30-38). Anna has enjoyed a healthy period recently, beating veterans Alize Cornet and Victoria Azarenka in Charleston Open but losing to Ons Jabeur later. She is currently ranked 62.

Rybakina enters the tournament after losing in the Round of 16 to Beatriz Haddad Maia. Before that, she had reached the Final of the Miami Open, losing to Petra Kvitova. Prior to that, she clinched Indian Wells Masters after beating Aryna Sabalenka in the Final, avenging her Australian Open Final loss. The amazing Kazakh player has won a Grand Slam already, winning the Wimbledon last year. She has become a regular in the Final and her amazing power game has led the way while her return has been solid too.

The h2h is tied between Elena and Anna. They last met during Miami Open recently and Rybakina won a tense game in three sets.

Kalinskaya has posed numerous challenges to Elena but Rybakina knows how to navigate such challenges. Her track record on clay courts is inspiring and she can use her big-time hitting to startle opponents. I expect her to win here in two sets.