It’s Day 3 in the Dubai desert, and we have some mouth-watering matches on the cards at this WTA 1000 in a roll call that includes World #1 Aryna Sabalenka, who will be looking to add the Dubai title to her repertoire of laurels. We at LWOT offer our predictions.
WTA Dubai Day 2 Predictions Including Aryna Sabalenka vs Veronika Kudermetova
Jasmine Paolini vs Eva Lys
Head–to–Head: First Meeting
Eva Lys has shown promise early in 2025, achieving an 8-4 win-loss record, including that brilliant third-round run at the Australian Open. However, she struggled to hold her serve against Irina-Camelia Begu in the first round before eventually achieving victory in three sets.
The German can pose a challenge against Paolini if she can improve her service game and play aggressively, otherwise it will be a walk in the park for the defending champion.
Prediction: Paolini in 2
Anastasia Potapova vs Dayana Yastremska
Head–to–Head: Potapova 1 vs 0 Yastremska
These two met earlier this year in Brisbane, and the Russian triumphed in two close sets. Potapova is in red-hot form, with six wins on the bounce, and conceding just one set to Lucia Bronzetti in the championship match at Cluj-Napoca.
Yastremska has also had a decent season, finishing as runner-up in Linz before being dumped out in the first round in Doha. However, she bagged a solid win over Magda Linette in the first round, hitting 29 winners and losing her service just twice.
This match will be closer than it appears, and I think it’s a regression spot for the Ukrainian, who may win the first set, but the Ukrainian will win.
Prediction: Yastremska in 3
Paula Badosa vs Elise Mertens
Head–to–Head: First Meeting
After a slow start to the year, Paula Badosa has been playing with renewed energy since returning from an injury last year, making it to the semifinals at the Australian against all odds.
Besides her high endurance levels, Badosa is a fantastic shotmaker who can repel most canons from the baseline. Conversely, Mertens knows how to offset her opponent’s rhythm with her court craft and her trademark backhand slice.
Badosa may be the more powerful player, but Mertens enters this encounter after a solitary loss in nine matches. I think the Belgian is more suited for hardcourts, and if she plays her game, she can upset the Spaniard in their first meeting.
Prediction: Mertens in 3
Aryna Sabalenka vs Veronika Kudermetova
Head–to–Head: Sabalenka 2 vs 2 Kudermetova
This is poised to be the match of the round with two players with two players who have traded two wins each, even though Sabalenka has won both of their hardcourt matches.
Sabalenka’s aggressive baseline play and mental fortitude have been key factors in her recent successes; however, Kudermetova’s ability to challenge top players means she cannot be underestimated, and for her to earn an upset, she will need to maintain a high first-serve percentage and capitalise on any unforced errors from Sabalenka as she did in that remarkable comeback first-round win over Ekaterina Alexandrova.
Kudermetova possesses the skills to make the match competitive, but Sabalenka’s experience, mental strength and the fact that she hasn’t lost three consecutive matches in over a year suggests she will likely emerge victorious.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 3
Main Photo Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
