The first tournament of 2021, the Abu Dhabi WTA Women’s Tennis Open, saw first round action Wednesday. A strong field is assembled for this WTA 500 tournament, led by top seed Sofia Kenin. As ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate on day two, including Tamara Zidansek vs Jennifer Brady, Elise Mertens vs Alize Cornet, Garbine Muguruza vs Kristina Mladenovic and Aryna Sabalenka vs Polona Hercog. Who do you think will reach the second round?
WTA Abu Dhabi Open Day 2 Predictions
Nadia Podoroska vs Sara Sorribes Tormo
Head to head: Sorribes Tormo 1-0
Sara Sorribes Tormo’s last match was played in November, and the Spaniard ended 2020 with more losses than wins. Yet, her capability is unmistakable. The 24-year-old has chalked up some big wins, taking down Naomi Osaka, Veronika Kudermetova and Laura Siegemund for instance. No doubt, talent abounds but Nadia Podoroska should prove an insurmountable challenge.
Prediction: Podoroska in 2
Marketa Vondrousova vs Hsieh Su-Wei
Head to head: First meeting
This should prove to be an unforgettable clash as dropshots and guile will rule. Two players square off whose trademark “anything but the ordinary” style will create unpredictability. Hsieh Su-Wei is coming off a dismal 2020 season. The Taiwanese made it through only one first round event. Marketa Vondrousova has lacked success since her 2019 Roland Garros final. This will prove to be a battle between two women seeking resurgence. If Hsieh can protect her vulnerable serve, she can find her place in the second round. But, Vondrousova has the bigger groundstrokes and can punish Hsieh’s deficient serve. It’s really on Vondrousova’s racket in this clash.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 3
Bianca Turati vs Yaroslava Shvedova
Head to head: First meeting
Bianca Turati has reached the main draw through qualifiers. The 23-year-old Italian battled past Catherine Harrison in a tough three-setter. Perhaps her hard-fought route to the main draw will position her for a successful run. Yet, Yaroslava Shvedova stands in her path. The Kazakh veteran is playing in her first tournament since February 2020. A long absence may prove to be her downfall, against a motivated Turati.
Prediction: Turati in 3
Sorana Cirstea vs Karolina Pliskova
Head to head: Cristea 1-1 Pliskova
Karolina Pliskova is at her competitive best at the start of the year, winning titles in three of the past four years. It may take a bit for the Czech to regain her rhythm in her first match since October. But you can be certain her new coach, Sascha Bajin has been putting her through the paces. The World #3’s big serve and powerful groundstrokes will be a lot for Sorana Cirstea to handle. And, the Romanian’s relative inconsistence should allow Pliskova a straight set win.
Prediction: Pliskova in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
