Day 3 at the WTA Finals in Cancun will feature matchday 2 of the Bacalar group, with a match between the two Day 1 winners (Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula) and another one between the two losers of Day 1 (Maria Sakkari and Elena Rybakina), who need a win to stay in contention for a spot in the semifinals.
WTA Finals Day 3 Predictions
Maria Sakkari vs Elena Rybakina
Head-to-head: Sakkari 1-1 Rybakina
Both players disappointed in matchday 1; Rybakina lost as the (slight) favorite against Pegula, winning only seven games in the process, while Sakkari just barely avoided a double bagel against World #1 Aryna Sabalenka. Both players will be desperate to make amends after their disastrous showings on Sunday and they know that only a win here will keep them in contention for a spot in the semifinals. Sakkari was seen by many as the weakest link in this tournament and her first match did nothing to prove that idea wrong. Rybakina is definitely coming into this match as a solid favorite and should be able to prevail and keep her tournament hopes alive.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
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Aryna Sabalenka vs Jessica Pegula
Head-to-head: Sabalenka 4-1 Pegula
Both players are trying to cap off the best season of their career so far here in Cancun and both got off to a flying start, with very convincing performances and wins on Sunday. The pressure will be on Sabalenka here as she needs to keep winning to hold off Iga Swiatek’s charge and keep her #1 ranking, but she has shown throughout the year that she has what it takes in the biggest moments. She has also had a very clear edge in this particular matchup, even with all previous meeting occuring before she reached her peak this year. As impressive as Pegula was in her first match, she’s clearly the underdog here.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 3
Main Photo Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
