A first for the Slovak woman!

Katie Volynets is playing at home in the Californian desert, where she has already pulled off some big upsets, like her win over Jabeur last year. Her game is based on rock‑solid defense and an ability to wear opponents down physically in slow conditions that suit her. She does arrive, however, with a bit of doubt after a heavy loss to the young Bartůňková in Austin. A nice R3 in 2024, otherwise she has always stumbled in the first round in 5 appearances. She’s still a player who covers the court in XXL mode!

Rebecca Šramková has a much more aggressive style, with heavy groundstrokes capable of hitting through anyone when she’s dialed in. She has already beaten Katie in their only meeting at the 2025 Australian Open in three tight sets. If she manages to limit her unforced errors against the American’s consistency, her natural power could make the difference as in their last duel. Her serve is much better but high‑risk, so the double faults come with it.

A classic attack‑versus‑defense matchup, with lots of strengths/weaknesses on both sides that ultimately cancel each other out.