There are only four matches on the third day of the WTA 500 in Abu Dhabi, but each one promises to be great viewing. The standout match of the day is between three-time Grand Slam runner-up Ons Jabeur and 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu. As always, we at LWOT predict the outcomes of all four day 3 contests in Abu Dhabi. But which players do you think will win and reach the quarterfinals?
WTA Abu Dhabi Day 3 Predictions
Daria Kasatkina vs Ashlyn Krueger
Head-to-head: First meeting
Both players had very tough battles in the opening round. Last year’s WTA Elite Trophy semifinalist Daria Kasatkina recovered from a break down to beat Diane Parry 6-4 5-7 6-4. Krueger eventually overpowered her compatriot Bernarda Pera 6-2 5-7 6-3 to set up this meeting. The fast conditions do suit Krueger’s big and flat hitting, and give her a better chance of beating the Russian than most other venues. Kasatkina has also struggled in the past at tournaments in the Middle East. Krueger will have to hold her nerve against the gritty Kasatkina, but I am backing her to cause an upset here.
Prediction: Krueger in 3
Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Magda Linette
Head-to-head: Haddad Maia 1-0 Linette
Linette’s opening round win against Alexandra Eala was a welcome boost after failing to win her previous four matches. However, she still did not look close to her best against her much lower ranked opponent. A much better performance will be needed to topple last year’s WTA Elite Trophy winner Beatriz Haddad Maia. The Brazilian adapted to the conditions very quickly against Wang Xiyu and played very well. There will be many long rallies between these two despite the fast WTA Abu Dhabi Open conditions. Overall though, it is very likely that Haddad Maia will prevail.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 2
Maria Sakkari vs Sorana Cirstea
Head-to-head: Cirstea 2-1 Sakkari
This is a very dangerous first match after the Australian Open for last year’s Guadalajara champion Maria Sakkari. Cirstea recovered from a set down to defeat Caroline Garcia in the last round and hit many superb shots in the process. Expect many winners to be exchanged between two powerful baseline players competing in very quick conditions. It is likely to be a close battle, but Sakkari gets a slight edge at the WTA Abu Dhabi Open. She has been inconsistent for several months and has struggled mentally, but relying more on her instincts on a fast court could help her right now.
Prediction: Sakkari in 3
Ons Jabeur vs Emma Raducanu
Head-to-head: First meeting
Jabeur is playing her first singles match since being thrashed by Mirra Andreeva in the second-round of the Australian Open. She may have hoped for a comfortable draw to begin the tournament, but this is about as tough a start as the No. 1 seed could have gotten. Raducanu played her best match since returning from injury at the start of this season in the last round. She swept aside Marie Bouzkova in impressive style. The quick and not very bouncy conditions at the WTA Abu Dhabi open should suit Jabeur if she finds her game. Yet, the Tunisian has not done that very often since losing last year’s Wimbledon final. Jabeur gets a slight edge, but a Raducanu win would also not be a surprise.
Prediction: Jabeur in 3
More must-reads: