While all eyes are on the Gauffs, Sabalenkas, and Pegulas of this world, the tennis athlete to watch in WTA right now is none other than Rebecca Šramková from Slovakia. She continues to win, including at this year’s China Open.
The 27-year-old (earnings: US$ 1,136,761) has already survived the qualifiers in Beijing and is now pushing through two rounds in the main draw after her last win against Ekaterina Alexandrova.
Some tennis fans might remember Šramková from her breakthrough in 2017, when she led Slovakia to a Fed Cup victory by defeating former world No. 5 Sara Errani, helping her reach a career-high singles ranking of No. 111.
But now, she’s navigating new waters. ‘Destination Unknown’? Victory more like..
Overview of Sramkova’s brilliant form in September 2024
Beijing R64
Sramkova d. No.33 Ekaterina Alexandrova [RUS] 5-7 6-4 6-3
Beijing R128
Sramkova d. No.48 Anhelina Kalinina [UKR] 6-4 6-0
Beijing Q2
Sramkova d. No.127 Polina Kudermetova [RUS] 5-7 7-5 7-6(5)
Beijing Q1
Sramkova d. No.202 Tamara Zidansek [SLO] 6-2 3-6 4-3 RET
Hua Hin 2 Final
Sramkova d. No.99 Laura Siegemund [GER] 6-4 6-4
Hua Hin 2 SF
Sramkova d. No.261 Tamara Zidansek [SLO] 6-4 6-2
Hua Hin 2 QF
Sramkova d. No.129 Jana Fett [CRO] 4-6 6-4 6-1
Hua Hin 2 R16
Sramkova d. No.43 Magda Linette [POL] 7-6(5) 6-4
Hua Hin 2 R32
Sramkova d. No.195 M. Sawangkaew [THA] 6-2 2-6 6-4
Monastir Final
No.151 Sonay Kartal [GBR] d. Sramkova 6-3 7-5
Monastir SF
Sramkova d. No.86 Lucia Bronzetti [ITA] 6-3 6-4
Monastir QF
Sramkova d. No.115 Sara Sorribes Tormo [ESP] 1-6 7-6(5) 7-5
Monastir R16
Sramkova d. No.58 Clara Burel [FRA] 7-6(4) 7-5
Monastir R32
Sramkova d. No.142 Elsa Jacquemot [FRA] 2-6 7-5 6-3
After 13 wins and just 1 loss, Rebecca Šramková faces her toughest test yet: Paula Badosa
For the first time this month, Sramkova will now face a top 20 player in the next round. The question is whether she will crash into the proverbial wall of higher quality on the other side of the net. However, the answer will largely lie on the Slovak’s racket once again. With this run, Sramkova could create an even bigger upset than her current run of form already is. But Paula Badosa is also in rising form. Spain’s No.1 against Slovakia’s No.1. Popcorn stuff.