Elena Rybakina is back at the Foro Italico, ready to make her mark at the Italian Open as she faces off against Germany's Eva Lys in the Round of 64. This match, scheduled for May 9, 2025, marks Rybakina's second clay court tournament of the year, and she is eager to shake off a challenging start to the season.
Rybakina, the reigning champion, has had a rocky road leading into this matchup. Struggling with coaching issues and yet to secure a title in 2025, she aims to build on her best performance so far—a semifinal finish earlier this year. Meanwhile, Lys enters the match with momentum after a stunning 6-1, 6-0 victory over Moyuka Uchijima in her opening round, completed in just 55 minutes. This win not only showcased her skills but also solidified her current ranking of No. 63 in the world, a career high for the 23-year-old.
The matchup is particularly intriguing as Rybakina and Lys have never faced each other before, holding a 0-0 head-to-head record. Rybakina, known for her powerful baseline game, will likely look to dominate with her serve and aggressive play. In contrast, Lys, standing at 5'5”, may utilize her impressive court coverage and ability to alter the pace of the game to counter Rybakina's strengths.
Rybakina's return to the clay courts is significant; she is a two-time quarterfinalist at Roland Garros and has shown her capability on this surface in the past. After withdrawing from last year's Rome Masters, she views this tournament as a crucial opportunity to regain her footing and collect valuable ranking points.
The betting markets reflect confidence in Rybakina's chances, with odds of -700 suggesting a strong likelihood of victory. According to BetMGM, Lys's odds sit at +450, indicating that she is seen as a significant underdog. Dimers' advanced tennis model aligns with this sentiment, predicting an 85% chance for Rybakina to win the match, with a 78% probability of her taking the first set.
As the match approaches, anticipation builds. Fans are eager to see if Rybakina can find her rhythm and assert her dominance on the red clay, while Lys looks to continue her impressive run and make a statement against the former Wimbledon champion.
Both players are set to bring contrasting styles to the court, making this first-time encounter a must-watch. Rybakina's power against Lys's agility will create an exciting dynamic, and the outcome remains uncertain as the players prepare to battle it out on one of tennis's biggest stages.
With the match scheduled to start at 9:40 AM ET, tennis enthusiasts around the world will be tuning in to see if Rybakina can reclaim her form or if Lys can pull off a surprising upset. The stakes are high, and the Foro Italico is ready to witness an electrifying clash.
