Sofia Kenin Eyes Resurgence Against Struggling Ons Jabeur in Rome
In the highly anticipated Round of 64 clash at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, two struggling stars, Sofia Kenin and Ons Jabeur, will face off. Kenin, once a top-ranked player, has endured a two-year slump, while Jabeur, a three-time Grand Slam finalist, has also been grappling with inconsistent form.
Despite her recent struggles, Kenin has shown signs of improvement. In her previous match against Lucia Bronzetti, she displayed impressive dominance as a returner, breaking five times in two sets. Her baseline shots were powerful and accurate, and her movement along the baseline was fluid.
Kenin’s record against Jabeur is also noteworthy. She holds a 5-2 advantage in their head-to-head encounters. Additionally, Jabeur has been struggling with her precision in slice and drop shots, which have been key components of her success in the past.
Furthermore, Kenin’s experience on clay courts is an advantage. She reached the finals of Roland Garros in 2020, demonstrating her ability to handle the slow and bouncy conditions. These conditions allow her to play more balls and extend rallies.
On the other hand, Jabeur’s serve has been a concern in 2024. Her hold percentage is a mere 64.2%, which could give Kenin ample opportunities to break her serve.
Considering Kenin’s recent form, her favorable record against Jabeur, and the conditions that suit her style of play, it is reasonable to expect her to cover the 4.5-game spread.
