Greece and Kazakhstan both defeated Spain 2-1, which means these two countries will now meet in a matchup to decide the group winner on Day 4 of the United Cup. Are we going to get the Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Elena Rybakina mixed doubles showdown? Can Maria Sakkari recover from a poor performance in the opening match?
United Cup Day 4 Predictions
Maria Sakkari vs Elena Rybakina
Head-to-head: Rybakina 3-1
Both players have already faced Jessica Bouzas Maneiro this season and the way they dealt with that matchup might already be telling us a story. Elena Rybakina had a tricky finish to her previous campaign, but was back all guns blazing in the tie vs Spain. Meanwhile, Maria Sakkari’s level coming back from an injury doesn’t seem as impressive yet. Expect Rybakina to find herself more comfortable in this matchup than in their previous encounters.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Alexander Shevchenko
Head-to-head: First meeting
Alexander Shevchenko was easily outplayed by Pablo Carreno Busta, who was then defeated by Stefanos Tsitsipas. But of course, tennis doesn’t always work out that way and the Kazakh is capable of playing much better. Tsitsipas wasn’t really a contender for big titles on hard courts last season, but he’s got the weapons to dominate the points if someone can’t pressure his backhand corner. Shevchenko would have to redline to keep him at bay.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 2
Maria Sakkari/Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Elena Rybakina/Alexander Shevchenko
Head-to-head: First meeting
Elena Rybakina and Alexander Shevchenko were a new pairing that instantly found their groove in their mixed doubles debut against Spain. We already knew Maria Sakkari and Stefanos Tsitsipas blend well on the tennis court, given their performances in prior appearances. But Sakkari’s level, especially. seems pretty doubtful right now and the Greeks barely got over the line in their match two days ago. The underdogs might just be able to surprise again.
Prediction: Rybakina/Shevchenko in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
