ELENA RYBAKINA

is lesser known and though it seems she has come out of nowhere the world No 23 had momentum before Covid hit. That being said, she did not look primed to go this deep into a grass tournament. Rybakina (below) had some big wins in the early rounds, but the victory over Simona Halep was where she really stood out. She attacked the Romanian’s serve in the semi-final, which made her feel uneasy, forcing nine double faults. Her poker face should help her as she doesn’t give much away. The key is can she repeat her Halep display? For somebody to outwit an in-form Halep is really something.

The beginning of the match will be so important and telling. Last year, Karolina Pliskova lost her first 14 points and, despite improving, went on to lose. When both players walk into the lobby, with the names of the past champions, it is all so elegant but will tick up your nerves a notch or two. If Rybakina repeats her Halep display and is dialled in, it will be incredibly tough for Ons. But Jabeur will give variety and that might put her opponent off her rhythm. It will be fascinating to watch.