The quarterfinals are set at the WTA Abu Dhabi Open, and with the withdrawal of defending champion Belinda Bencic, the draw is open for everyone else to show their potential. #2 seed Ekaterina Alexandrova is featured in this article as she faces crowd favourite Alexandra Eala. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for all the matches, but who will advance?
WTA Abu Dhabi Quarterfinal Predictions
Sonay Kartal vs Sara Bejlek
Head-to-Head: first meeting
20-year-old Sara Bejlek played a smart match to beat Jelena Ostapenko in straight sets and reach her second Tour-level quarterfinal. Ostapenko was making a lot of unforced errors, and Bejlek recognised it and played with more margin. Sonay Kartal benefited from the withdrawal of Belinda Bencic and now has a shot to reach the semifinals or even the finals if she keeps playing at a high level. I am backing her to advance safely.
Prediction: Kartal in 2
Clara Tauson vs McCartney Kessler
Head-to-Head: Tauson 0-1 Kessler
#3 seed Clara Tauson is off to a great start at her Abu Dhabi Open debut as she easily defeated Simona Waltert in straight sets. Tauson posted healthy numbers behind her serve and overpowered Waltert’s serve. She will now face a much tougher challenge against McCartney Kessler, who defeated Leylah Fernandez in the second round. Kessler put immense pressure on Fernandez, who was defending the entire match. This is a close match to call, but I am going with the higher seed due to her offensive capabilities.
Prediction: Tauson in 3
Liudmila Samsonova vs Hailey Baptiste
Head-to-Head: Samsonova 1-1 Baptiste
#5 seed Liudmila Samsonova has bounced back impressively after a tough first-round loss at the Australian Open and looks to be getting back to her best. She dominated Janice Tjen even without a subpar first serve percentage. Samsonova’s game is suited for these conditions, and she will like her chances to win the title. However, Hailey Baptiste is in good form and can pose a big challenge for the Russian player.
Prediction: Samsonova in 3
Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Alexandra Eala
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Ekaterina Alexandrova made a solid start to her week, defeating the dangerous Dayana Yastremska in straight sets. Alexandrova is the highest-ranked player in the draw now, and it will be extremely difficult for anyone to beat her. Alexandra Eala made a miraculous comeback in the third set against Aliaksandra Sasnovich to keep herself alive in the tournament. However, Alexandrova is a different quality of opponent and is playing the better tennis of the two.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 2
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
