Leylah Fernandez 🎾 vs. Elena Rybakina 💥

🎾 WTA Washington Semifinal Preview

Leylah Fernandez 🎾 vs. Elena Rybakina 💥

🗓️ 26 July 2025 | 🏟️ Hard Court | 📍 Washington D.C., USA

🧠 Form & Context

Leylah Fernandez 🎾
• Lefty return wizard: 13–8 on hard in 2025, including wins over Townsend (QF) and Pegula (R16)
• Inconsistent early season (19–17 overall), but thrives under pressure
• Head-to-head: 1–1 (def. Rybakina in Cincinnati ’24: 7–6, 6–3)

Elena Rybakina 💥
• Power server: 17–7 on hard this year, reached SF without dropping serve (vs Frech & Mboko)
• Strong form: 33–13 overall in 2025 with one title
• Head-to-head: 1–1 (def. Fernandez in Doha ’24: 6–4, 6–2)

🔍 Match Breakdown

🎾 Serve vs. Return: Rybakina’s booming first-serve and flat hitting meet Fernandez’s lefty return game and defensive court sense.

🤜🤛 Baseline vs. Counterpunch: Fernandez will try to elongate points and attack Rybakina’s backhand; Elena will aim for short, aggressive rallies.

🧠 Pressure Points: Fernandez has shown nerves of steel in tiebreaks, but Rybakina holds the power edge during big moments.

💨 Pace & Movement: D.C.'s fast courts reward Rybakina’s aggression, though Fernandez’s agility could turn defense into offense.

🔮 Prediction

Pick: Rybakina in 2 tight sets 🔐 — Her serve and firepower should prove decisive, though Fernandez will push her deep in both sets.