Iga Swiatek vs Aryna Sabalenka Prediction & Betting Tips - WTA Stuttgart Open

Prediction published on 23/04/2022, 14:46  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 23/04/2022 at 18:44 in Tennis Predictions

It's already been a massive year for Iga Swiatek. The new world number one bids for a fourth title in a row in the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix as she faces tird seed Aryna Sabalenka. Swiatek has won titles in Doha, Indian Wells and Miami and became world number one when Ashleigh Barty retired. Swiatek has had wins this week over Eva Lys, eighth seeded Emma Raducanu and in the semi-final, unseeded Luidmila Samsonova. The Pole had to come from a set down in her semi-final, a rare occurrence for her. Before dropping that set, the 20-year-old had won 13 consecutive matches without losing a set. Her semi-final win made it 22 matches without defeat. Swiatek has had two previous matches against her opponent. Sabalenka beat her in the WTA Tour Finals last year but 2022 has seen Swiatek defeat her in straight sets in the Doha quarter final.

Aryna Sabalenka began this year ranked second in the world but has dropped down to fourth. It's not been a great year for the Belarusan with only decent performances in two tournaments. One was in Doha, where losing to Swiatek in the last eight and now getting to the final in Stuttgart. Before this week, she'd failed to beat a player ranked in the top 35. That's changed now but it's not been too easy a route to the final. Bianca Andreescu took her to three sets in her first match. It also took her three sets to get past fifth seed Anett Kontaveit before beating second seeded Paula Badosa in two tight sets. Her confidence must have been boosted this week but it's Swiatek who is our tip to continue her great run and win a fourth title of the year.