Match of the Day: Sofia Kenin vs. Dayana Yastremska, Doha

Two of the sport's most promising young stars, Dayana Yastremska and Sofia Kenin, will face off in a fiery second-round clash in Doha Tuesday. This is their first meeting of 2020, but it probably won’t be the last.

Both players enjoyed a breakthrough 2019, with Kenin winning three titles compared to Yastremska’s two. They played twice last season with some very mixed results. In their first match at Wimbledon, Yastremska prevailed in a tough three-set battle; in the second encounter, just a month later, Kenin leveled the score with a 6-2, 6-2 beatdown in Toronto.

This matchup presents a phenomenal clash of styles. One of the quickest players on tour, Kenin is a natural counterpuncher. The Ukrainian, however, is a natural puncher, and will bring her trademark all-or-nothing firepower straight to Kenin’s doorstep.

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Let's hope the two engage in a few backhand crosscourt rallies, as both players own technically sound, world-class ball-striking on that wing. Yastremska certainly holds the edge when it comes to the forehand, which she should use to her advantage. The American doesn’t miss her forehand often, but she doesn’t hit clean winners from that side like Yastremska.

After her performance in Melbourne, the mental edge goes to the Australian Open champion, but Yastremska can still hit anyone off the court on any given day. Kenin should win this battle, as her game matches up well with Yastremska. Counterpunchers love opponents who rack up the unforced errors as quickly as the 19-year-old can.

Enjoy this early round matchup, as it could be the last time they face each other this early in a tournament.