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TennisSection previews and gives predictions of the 2023 Italian Open final featuring Elena Rybakina vs. Anhelina Kalinina on Saturday, May 20, 2023.

Rybakina vs Kalinina Match Details

Where is the match taking place: Elena Rybakina vs. Anhelina Kalinina will take place at the Foro Italico, Rome, Italy, for the 2023 Italian Open.

What is the start time: Elena Rybakina vs. Anhelina Kalinina will start at 7 pm local time (6 pm UK time)

How can I watch: The match will be telecast live on WTATV.com.

Rybakina vs Kalinina Head-to-Head

Anhelina Kalinina leads Elena Rybakina 1-0 in their head-to-head. They played that match on the green clay of Charleston last year where the Ukranian won in three sets.

Rybakina vs Kalinina Prediction

Elena Rybakina pursues a second career title on clay when she plays Anhelina Kalinina in Saturday’s final at the Italian Open in Rome. While this is an unexpected final, both players have merited their spots in the championship match. Rybakina was not a big favorite to win the title, but ever since she emerged unharmed in the quarterfinal against World No. 1 Iga Swiatek, she’s been the woman to beat. For Kalinina, making the second week was nearly improbable given her four-match losing streak coming to the event. But these conditions play to her liking and she’s managed to clock the most playing time in Rome above anybody else, winning a trio of three-set matches including the longest WTA match of the season in the quarterfinal against Haddad Maia. Kalinina tamed the big-serving Kudermetova in the semis dispelling doubts about fatigue. So we should surely expect the Ukranian to put up another battling display in the final. But will it be enough this time to combat the energetic and big-hitting Rybakina? Unfortunately not, Rybakina is in the zone right now and while the UKranian is a fantastic athlete, she doesn’t have the variety to unsettle the Kazakh’s rhythm nor the power to boot.