After the Australian Open, the WTA moves to Dubai, with an excellent field in Abu Dhabi headed by four Top 10 players. Those top seeds won’t be in action today, but there will be plenty of other exciting action, including the tournament of Naomi Osaka, who’s making her comeback to the tour in 2024 after a long absence spell and will have a blockbuster round 1 match against Danielle Collins here. We also predict the rest of Tuesday’s matches in a separate article.
WTA Abu Dhabi Day 2 Predictions
Sara Sorribes Tormo vs Linda Noskova
Head-to-head: first meeting
The 19-year-old Noskova had a stunning run at the Australian Open, upsetting the world #1 Iga Swiatek en route to the quarterfinals, after already having had a great run in Brisbane, where she was only stopped by Elena Rybakina. This amazing start to the season will surely make her believe that she can aim for the top 10 in 2024 and she’s definitely the favorite to win this first match here.
Prediction: Noskova in 2
Alexandra Eala vs Magda Linette
Head-to-head: first meeting
Linette hasn’t had a good start to the season and comes into this match on a four match losing streak, but she is stil a solid favorite against the world #187 in Alexandra Eala. Even taking her bad streak into account, Linette should have too much here and start getting her season on track a bit.
Prediction: Linette in 3
Xinyu Wang vs Lin Zhu
Head-to-head: Zhu 3-0 Wang
On paper, this should be a very tight matchup, but so far Wang hasn’t been able to even win a set in three matches against Zhu. Zhu seems to have the edge and she comes into this match motivated after a great run to the final in Hua Hin last week. She should be able to prevail again against her countrywoman.
Prediction: Zhu in 2
Naomi Osaka vs Danielle Collins
Head-to-head: Osaka 3-1 Collins
This is easily the biggest match of the day, with a returning Osaka taking on a former #7 and Grand Slam finalist in Danielle Collins. Osaka showed a decent level in Australia but couldn’t beat Pliskova or Garcia. If she can raise her level just a little bit, though, she should be able to get a win here and kickstart her comeback.
Prediction: Osaka in 3
Main Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
