Shuai Zhang vs Elena Rybakina – Second Round – Preview & Prediction | 2022 Australian Open
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THE FACTS
When is Shuai Zhang vs Elena Rybakina on and what time does it start? Shuai Zhang vs Elena Rybakina will take place on Thursday 20th January, 2022 – not before 04:00 (UK)
Where is Shuai Zhang vs Elena Rybakina taking place? Shuai Zhang vs Elena Rybakina will take place at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia
What surface is Shuai Zhang vs Elena Rybakina being played on? Shuai Zhang vs Elena Rybakina will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Shuai Zhang vs Elena Rybakina? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Shuai Zhang vs Elena Rybakina
What channel is Shuai Zhang vs Elena Rybakina on in the UK? Shuai Zhang vs Elena Rybakina will be televised live on Eurosport
Where can I stream Shuai Zhang vs Elena Rybakina in the UK? Eurosport subscribers can stream Shuai Zhang vs Elena Rybakina live on their website, while Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match live on Sky Go
THE LOWDOWN
SHUAI ZHANG
World number 74 Shuai Zhang bagged an excellent straight-sets victory over Viktorija Golubic on Tuesday for a first tour-level victory since late October. The 32-year-old former world number 23 reached the quarter-finals here back in 2016 and then again at Wimbledon three years later but she is a two-time Grand Slam champion in Women’s Doubles alongside best friend Sam Stosur.
ELENA RYBAKINA
12th seed Elena Rybakina had to battle back from a set down against fellow Kazakh Zarina Diyas on Tuesday before ultimately coming through strongly. The 22-year-old is a dark horse for the title here in Melbourne after some excellent form so far this season and a steady, measured climb up the rankings over the last few years. Rybakina beat Serena Williams at Roland-Garros last year on her way to the quarter-finals in what is her best Grand Slam showing so far.
THE PREDICTION
This looks a fairly winnable fixture for Elena Rybakina, especially now she has thrown off some cobwebs after her tough first round tussle. The 22-year-old won her most recent WTA title via a straight-sets victory over Shuai Zhang at the Hobart International in 2020 and she beat the 32-year-old in straight sets a second time later that year in the quarter-finals of the Strasbourg Open. Shuai Zhang has plenty of stock left in this tournament in the Women’s Doubles alongside Sam Stosur and the Mixed Doubles alongside John Peers but Rybakina should end her singles campaign here in straight sets.
