WTA Dubai Day 1 Predictions Including Sloane Stephens vs Clara Burel

Magda Linette vs Nao Hibino

Head-to-head: Linette 5-4 Hibino

These two met less than a week ago in Doha, where last year’s Australian Open semifinalist Linette prevailed comfortably in straight sets. The Pole’s game looks in good shape right now. Her last two defeats were in three sets against WTA Elite Trophy champion Beatriz Haddad Maia and last year’s WTA most improved player Qinwen Zheng, but she played well in both losses. The overall head-to-head between these two is quite close. However, Linette has won their last two meetings, and is playing better tennis right now. She should win again at the WTA Dubai Tennis Championships.
Prediction: Linette in 2

Jasmine Paolini vs Beatriz Haddad Maia

Head-to-head: Paolini 1-0 Haddad Maia

This is a fascinating battle between two players who have played very well in the last 12 months, but who both suffered setbacks last week in Doha. Paolini lost in straight sets to Emma Navarro, while Haddad Maia only won four games in her loss to Wang Xinyu. The Brazilian’s defeat may have been a hangover from her very tight Abu Dhabi semifinal loss to Daria Kasatkina. This is likely to be a very tight match, with many long rallies. Paolini has slightly more firepower with her forehand, but Haddad Maia gets a narrow edge. She usually responds well to setbacks, and I think the conditions will slightly favor her at the WTA Dubai Tennis Championships.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 3

Sloane Stephens vs Clara Burel

Head-to-head: First meeting

Stephens never got going last week in her first-round loss in Doha to Sorana Cirstea. She will need to be much better against Burel, who has made impressive progress in the last year. The Frenchwoman comfortably came through qualifying and is clearly enjoying the conditions. Stephens did play some good tennis at the Australian Open, and that level would likely get her over the line in this matchup. It is a contest that will also have long rallies, but Stephens gets a small advantage at the WTA Dubai Tennis Championships.
Prediction: Stephens in 3