There are a lot of exciting matches to look forward to on Day 2 of the WTA Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, including the clash between Alexandra Eala and Zeynep Sonmez. Former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko will also be in action. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for every match on the slate. But who will advance?
WTA Abu Dhabi Day 2 Predictions
Daria Kasatkina vs Simona Waltert
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Former finalist Daria Kasatkina is going through the worst phase of her career, and every match win will help her get back on track. She has a great record at this tournament, which should help her play positive tennis. Swiss qualifier Simona Waltert was excellent in her qualifying matches and will be full of confidence heading into this match. However, Waltert has only one tour-level win on this surface, and Kasatkina’s experience and craftiness may prove too much.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 3
Dayana Yastremska vs Beatriz Haddad Maia
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Beatriz Haddad Maia has struggled to win matches in recent times, but she showed signs of her best tennis in both matches she lost this season. It feels like she is getting closer to her desired level and can make some inroads this week. Dayana Yastremska is inconsistent, and it’s tough to know what level she will bring to her matches. Her aggressive tennis can either blow away Haddad Maia, or she might fall into the Brazilian’s trap and start overhitting.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 3
Jelena Ostapenko vs Oksana Selekhmeteva
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Former world No.5 Jelena Ostapenko has lost seven of her last eight matches in all competitions, and has not looked like herself on the court in a long while. Oksana Selekhmeteva looks in great touch and has match wins behind her to challenge Ostapenko. Selekhmetva might not have the experience, but she is trending in the right direction. I am backing her to get the biggest win of her career in terms of ranking.
Prediction: Selekhmeteva in 3
Alexandra Eala vs Zeynep Sonmez
Head-to-Head: Eala 1-0 Sonmez
Alexandra Eala had high expectations for her performance at the Australian Open and might be disappointed to have lost in the first round. She must have used that as a learning curve, and I expect her to be back on track soon. Zeynep Sonmez, on the other hand, had a remarkable run to the third round of the Australian Open. Eala easily defeated Sonmez in their only meeting, but the Turkish player should be able to make this close given her form.
Prediction: Eala in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
