WTA Finals Shenzhen Purple Group Preview: Svitolina vs. Kenin

Standings screenshot from shiseidowtafinalsshenzhen.com

The grinding season has officially taken its toll on the elite eight at the WTA Finals Shenzhen. Naomi Osaka withdrew after her opening win with a shoulder issue. Bianca Andreescu suffered a knee injury early in her second match and couldn't play on after losing the first set to Karolina Pliskova. On Thursday, Kiki Bertens stopped her clash with Belinda Bencic early in the second set due to a viral illness.

For the first time since 2008, the tournament has called on both alternates (Agnieszka Radwanska and Nadia Petrova served then). Bertens stepped in for Osaka and was successful, upsetting top-ranked Ashleigh Barty. Now it’s Sofia Kenin’s turn, though the American has no chance of advancing out of the Purple Group, even if she defeats Elina Svitolina in straight sets.

While she will only get one opportunity to participate in Shenzhen, Kenin is guaranteed $165,000 for walking onto the court. Most players would simply be happy to be there, but Kenin will undoubtedly bring her trademark intensity and effort to one of the year's most exciting matchups. Svitolina and Kenin have played a tiebreaker in each of their five meetings (all in 2019), with the Ukrainian winning the most recent encounter in Beijing, 6-3, 6-7 (8), 6-3. Overall, they've split their first four battles, which all took place on outdoor hard courts.

Defending champion Svitolina has already qualified for the semifinal round, and while she brings out the best in Kenin, the world No. 8 has won her past eight matches at the WTA Finals. The similarities in their games are undeniable, as both play a fearless brand of tennis, scrapping for every single point. Expect Svitolina, who nets an additional $305,000 with a win, to keep her foot firmly on the gas pedal and dispatch the rising American star. Winner: Svitolina

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