Second-round action at the WTA Abu Dhabi Open will mark the start of Elena Rybakina’s title defense in the event. The big-serving Kazakh ended her short-lived alliance with Croatian coach Goran Ivanisevic. That is one of eight matches on the slate, including Paula Badosa vs Linda Noskova. Who will reach the quarterfinals?
WTA Abu Dhabi Day 3 Predictions
Belinda Bencic vs Veronika Kudermetova
Head-to-head: Bencic 5-4 Kudermetova
Bencic and Kudermetova are set to square off for the 10th time on the WTA Tour. The Swiss improved to 8-3 for the season after picking up her 16th win from 21 matches since returning to action towards the end of last season. Kudermetova was brought in as a lucky loser to replace her younger sister Polina. She saved a match point to stun countrywoman Liudmila Samsonova. Bencic is more than just a power absorber. She has the ability to redirect it and produce winners of her own. Kudermetova’s strengths could be severely limited.
Prediction: Bencic in 2
Leylah Fernandez vs Lulu Sun
Head-to-head: first meeting
Fernandez was a heavy favorite to beat lucky loser Moyuka Uchijima but it wasn’t as routine. The Canadian saved a set point on the Japanese’s serve in the opening set before she prevailed 7-6 7-6. Sun, meanwhile, picked up her first match win of 2025 by beating former top 10 player Caroline Garcia 6-1 6-3. This is an interesting battle of the lefties and one that Fernandez will once again start as the favorite. However, she’ll need to clean up her serve after tallying eight double faults, and only 24% of second-serve points won in her opening match. Anything less than her best performance could send her packing.
Prediction: Fernandez in 3
Ashlyn Krueger vs Daria Kasatkina
Head-to-head: Kasatkina 2-0 Krueger
Krueger won the all-American first-round clash against McCartney Kessler. But she almost made a mess of things while leading 6-3 3-1. She lost control of the second set and the match stretched into a decider. Luckily she regained her composure to seal the victory. Krueger’s task will get significantly harder in the second round. Daria Kasatkina beat her twice last season including in this tournament. The Russian has played some of her best tennis in the Middle East (runner-up here last year) and that is likely to continue this week.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 3
Elena Rybakina vs Katie Volynets
Head-to-head: Rybakina 1-0 Volynets
The marquee coaching partnership of Elena Rybakina and Goran Ivanisevic lasted for only two months. With longtime coach Stefano Vukov suspended, Rybakina has entrusted former ATP player Davide Sanguinetti to take charge of coaching duties. She was almost unplayable when she romped to the title in Abu Dhabi last season, but doubts remain on whether she can sustain that same level of tennis. But she should at least overpower Katie Volynets in her opening match.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
