Why Rybakina will beat Fernandez and has the Kazakh put a distance between herself and her peers as Sabalenka & Swiatek toil

Is Elena Rybakina pulling clear of her biggest rivals? On Talking Tennis, we explain why we’re backing the Kazakh to beat Leylah Fernandez in their Tokyo quarter-final—and ask whether she is setting a standard that Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek are struggling to match.

We break down the Rybakina–Fernandez matchup, examine how Fernandez could disrupt her opponent’s power game, and discuss what could decide a place in the semi-finals.

Plus, as Sabalenka and Swiatek toil, has Rybakina opened a meaningful gap—or is it too soon to put her ahead of her peers?

Listen for our preview, prediction and verdict on the balance of power at the top of women’s tennis. Follow Talking Tennis and join the debate.
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