Belinda Bencic vs Elena Rybakina Prediction & Betting Tips - Olympic Tournament Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Prediction published on 28/07/2021, 16:56  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 28/07/2021 at 20:11 in Tennis Predictions

Belinda Bencic is the ninth seed and is the second highest remaining in the tournament. She takes on Elena Rybakina (seeded 15th) for a place in the Olympic final. Bencic has reached two finals this year but lost in both Adelaide and the German Open. The Swiss player last won a title in 2019 and has never reached a Grand Slam final. Winning this title would certainly be the highest achievement of her career. Bencic is 23rd in terms of ranking points earned this year, compared to 20th for her opponent. The world number 12 has had wins over Jessica Pegula, Misaki Doi, Barbora Krejcikova (in three sets) and then in the last eight, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. Bencic looked to be heading for an easy win in the last eight when taking the first set 6-0. The second set was lost though but she fought back to make the last four. If winning this match, she'll head into the Gold/Silver final, a defeat will see her in a play-off match for the Bronze medal.

World number 20 Elena Rybakina is in her second semi-final of the year. It's been a hot and cold year for her with many early exits and three good tournaments. Rybakina's other semi-final was on grass in Eastbourne baating Elena Svitolina before losing to Jelena Ostapenko who went on to win the tournament. Just before that, she'd reached the last eight at Roland Garros with a win over Serena Williams. This week has again seen her in form with wins over Sam Stosur, Rebecca Peterson, Donna Vekic and then seventh seeded Garbine Muguruza, all in straight sets. Back her to get another win and reach the final.