There is a great quarterfinal matchup set between Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina at the Cincinnati Open. The two will face off at 7:00 p.m. ET on Thursday night with a spot in the semifinals on the line.
Here is my pick, prediction and best bet on DraftKings Sportsbook for Thursday’s quarter-final match between Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina.
Iga Swiatek vs. Elena Rybakina Preview
Iga Swiatek Preview
It has been a less-than-stellar season for Iga Swiatek. The Austrian has won at least one major title in each of the past four seasons; however, she has yet to even make a major semifinal in 2026. It had been a disappointing season for Swiatek at the WTA 1000 events, as well. That is, until Canada. Swiatek finally found her groove in Toronto, winning her first title of the season. Swiatek is now looking to ride that momentum into the US Open, where she won in 2022. Swiatek is the defending champion here in Cincinnati and could be finding her groove at the right time. It will be a tough match against Rybakina, but she did just beat the 27-year-old in straight sets to claim that title in Toronto a few days ago.
Elena Rybakina Preview
It has been a great season for Elena Rybakina overall, but she has lost some momentum of late. Rybakina had a dream start to her season, claiming her second-ever major title in Australia. She moved up to No. 2 in the WTA rankings and is just on the heels of the struggling Aryna Sabalenka for that No. 1 spot. Rybakina lost a bit of her groove during the clay and grass seasons, but has found her form again back on her preferred hardcourt. She made the final in Canada, and is into the quarterfinals here in Cincinnati. Rybakina will hope for a big showing in New York, as well, as she pushes for that No. 1 ranking.
Iga Swiatek vs. Elena Rybakina Pick, Best Bet
My best bet for this match is for Iga Swiatek to win in straight sets. This bet can be found at +135 on DraftKings Sportsbook. These two just faced off on hardcourt in Toronto a week ago, and Swiatek won handily, 6-2, 6-3. Both of these women are playing at a high level at the moment, but when Swiatek is playing her best, she is arguably the best player in the world. We have not seen peak Swiatek all season until Canada. However, she quickly reminded the world what that looked like. Swiatek should keep the momentum going and take down Rybakina once again.
