The remaining round of 64 matches in Dubai will be completed on Day 2. Last week’s Qatar TotalEnergies Open champion Amanda Anisimova and three-time Grand Slam runner-up Ons Jabeur are among those who will take to the court. We at LWOT predict all the action here and in separate articles, but which players do you think will win?
WTA Dubai Day 2 Predictions
Diana Shnaider vs Magdalena Frech
Head-to-head: Shnaider 1-1 Frech
Shnaider was out of sorts against Alycia Parks last week in Doha. The matchup against Frech is very different. She does not possess Parks’ powerful serve, but her level is more steady and reliable than the American’s. While not an easy matchup, that playing style might be one Shnaider will not mind after last week. Expect the rising young star to respond strongly in the opening round in Dubai.
Prediction: Shnaider in 2
Daria Kasatkina vs Sorana Cirstea
Head-to-head: Kasatkina 2-2 Cirstea
These two met twice last year. Kasatkina hammered Cirstea for the loss of two games in Abu Dhabi before Cirstea got revenge in Miami a few weeks later. Despite Cirstea being the bigger hitter of the two, the fast Dubai conditions probably suit Kasatkina slightly more in this matchup. The Romanian is most devastating when she has time on her shots. Kasatkina’s ability to redirect the pace on a fast court reduces her chance of doing that.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 3
Ons Jabeur vs Peyton Stearns
Head-to-head: First meeting
There were many promising signs for Jabeur last week until she ran into an on-fire Jelena Ostapenko in the quarterfinal. She thrived in front of passionate support in the Middle East and will have that advantage this week. Stearns’ baseline game is dangerous at its best. However, she likes a consistent rhythm from the back of the court, and Jabeur will not give her that.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
Amanda Anisimova vs McCartney Kessler
Head-to-head: First meeting
How quickly Anisimova adapts physically and mentally after her heroics in Doha will be the most significant factor in deciding this match. Readjusting so soon after the biggest title of her career will not be easy. Kessler has risen rapidly in the past few months and could be well placed to pounce on a drop in level from Anisimova. This match might come too swiftly for the Qatar TotalEnergies Open champion.
Prediction: Kessler in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
