Aryna Sabalenka vs. Shelby Rogers Predictions: Rogers is Favored to Win This Time

Aryna Sabalenka, ranked sixth in the world, will face Shelby Rogers, a local favourite, in the 2022 Western & Southern Open's third round on Thursday.

Sabalenka faced qualifier Anna Kalinskaya in the second round after receiving a bye in the first round. She effectively held her serve at the beginning of the game by fending off three break points. After her opponent's serve was held, the Belarusian won three straight games to lead 4-1.

At 5-2 and on Kalinskaya's serve, Sabalenka had three set points but couldn't convert them. By serving it out in the next game, she was still able to win the set.

The 24-year-old took an early break in the second set to go up 2-0. Kalinskaya played a few more games before stopping for a short medical checkup. The Russian player quit from the match after Sabalenka earned a second break of serve to take the lead (4-1).

Sabalenka has been to the semifinals in Cincinnati before, and she will want to go even better this time.

With a second-place result at the Silicon Valley Classic, Shelby Rogers began her North American hardcourt tour. Before falling to Daria Kasatkina, she overcame Bianca Andreescu, Maria Sakkari, Amanda Anisimova, and Veronika Kudermetova.

Prior to competing in this week's Western & Southern Open, Rogers withdrew from the Canadian Open.

In Cincinnati's opening round, Rogers faced 2020 Australian Open winner Sofia Kenin. She had a strong showing to overcome her opponent 6-2, 6-1.

She received a walkover into the third round after Anisimova withdrew from the competition owing to an injury, cancelling out their second-round match.

When Rogers plays Sabalenka, she will now be attempting to advance to her second WTA 1000 level Cincinnati quarterfinal.

When these two players last faced off, Sabalenka prevailed in a tightly contested first set before losing a bagel in the second. Given her superior form and consistency, Rogers will be the favourite to prevail this time since she would have learnt from their prior meeting.

• Total Over 20.5 for 1.86
• Handiсap Shelby Rogers (+3) for 1.81
• Individual Total 2 Under 11.5 for 2.06