There should be plenty of entertaining tennis on day two at the WTA Dubai Tennis Championships and, as always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate in the UAE, including Amanda Anisimova vs Barbora Krejcikova and Victoria Mboko vs Jaqueline Cristian. But who do you think will advance to the next round?
WTA Dubai Day 2 Predictions
Elena-Gabriela Ruse vs Emma Navarro
Head-to-head: Navarro 2-0 Ruse
Both of these players are predominantly baseliners, so confidence from the back of the court will be crucial. Historically, in this matchup, Emma Navarro’s forehand has been able to both absorb Elena-Gabriela Ruse’s pace and redirect it with great success. However, after a poor 2025, Navarro’s 2026 has also started slowly, and this will not be as straightforward for the American as many expect. Still, she should have just about enough to get past Ruse, even if she has to go the distance to get the win.
Prediction: Navarro in 3
Varvara Gracheva vs Rebecca Sramkova
Head-to-head: Sramkova 1-1 Gracheva
Both Varvara Gracheva and Rebecca Sramkova rely on taking time away from their opponents, so the battle of power will be intriguing in conditions that usually favour first-strike tennis. Sramkova will look to exchange more backhand shots, while the forehand pattern likely favours Gracheva. They played each other recently in Hobart, and their level since then has not shifted enough for the outcome to change significantly.
Prediction: Sramkova in 3
Elisabetta Cocciaretto vs Emma Raducanu
Head-to-head: first meeting
Elisabetta Cocciaretto had an inspiring run in Doha last week when she dismantled Coco Gauff en route to the quarterfinal. If she can maintain that level, she could do some damage this week at the WTA Dubai Tennis Championships. Meanwhile, since making the final in Cluj-Napoca, Emma Raducanu has struggled physically and, as a result, her level has dipped. After almost a week off, Raducanu should be re-energised and will likely have enough in reserve if the Italian turns the match physical.
Prediction: Raducanu in 3
Main photo credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
