Elina Svitolina is set to begin her campaign in the National Bank Open in Montreal against qualifier Kamilla Rakhimova. Svitolina, seeded tenth, received a first-round bye while Rakhimova made a comeback in her opener, defeating wildcard Kaylor Cross after dropping the first set.
This year has been strong for Svitolina, with notable performances including quarterfinals at the Australian Open, Indian Wells, and Roland Garros. She secured her 18th career title in Rouen, asserting her presence on the circuit despite a back injury that sidelined her in Strasbourg. With impressive statistics, she has achieved 135 aces and a first-serve win rate of 68.2%, while successfully converting 48.1% of her break point opportunities over the season.
Conversely, Rakhimova’s season has been less consistent, holding a 19-22 main-draw record, but she has shown promise with quarterfinal finishes in Eastbourne, Paris, and Antalya. Notably, she has landed 36 aces and won 61.4% of her first-serve points in tour-level matches.
The two players have not faced each other before, adding an element of unpredictability to their upcoming match. Svitolina’s experience and form make her the favorite, with betting odds set at 1/5 compared to Rakhimova’s 18/5.
Svitolina’s matches always bring a sense of excitement, and with her current rhythm, it is anticipated that she will maintain control against Rakhimova, potentially securing a win in straight sets. This matchup highlights the ongoing evolution of the sport, showcasing how players can rise through the ranks while maintaining competitive spirits.