Abu Dhabi WTA Open 2021: Maria Sakkari vs Aryna Sabalenka Preview, Head-To-Head & Prediction
Follow Us
With the last few stages of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Open left, the excitement levels are at the peak. Up next, Maria Sakkari will lock horns against Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals of the WTA 500 tournament. Sakkari has been in imperious form during the week, having beaten the likes of Coco Gauff, Garbine Muguruza, and Sofia Kenin en route to the semifinal.
The Greek bagel’d her quarterfinal opponent Kenin in the third set and registered her first career win over Kenin. Seeded No.9, Sakkari hammered nine aces and 23 winners in the quarterfinals to advance to the penultimate stage.
On the other hand, Sabalenka has been in prime form and is on a 13 match winning streak. Sabalenka outlasted No.6 seed Elena Rybakina in a grueling three-set quarterfinal and is a win away from reaching her third consecutive final. Last year, Sabalenka finished the season by winning two back-to-back titles at the Ostrava and Linz Open.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Maria Sakkari vs Aryna Sabalenka Head-to-Head
The duo has played four times against each other, with Sabalenka leading the rivalry 3-1. The duo last faced off at the Round-of-16 at Doha last year, where Sabalenka demolished Sakkari in straight sets.
The sole victory of Sakkari came at Round-of-16 of the 2019 Cincinnati Masters when she defeated Sabalenka in an epic three-set match.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Trending
‘RIP’ – Heartbroken Brother of John McEnroe Mourns ESPN Legend’s Tragic Death Who Last Tweeted About Coco Gauff
April 21, 2024 02:43 PM EDT
Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Gushes Over Her Pink Attire as Part of Nike’s Latest Endeavor
April 23, 2024 05:55 PM EDT
Darwin Blanch: How Father’s Relentless Efforts for His Brother Ended up Becoming a Boon for Rafael Nadal’s Opponent
April 24, 2024 06:52 PM EDT
Where Is Venus and Serena Williams’ Father ‘King’ Richard Now? Everything to Know about His Whereabouts
April 25, 2024 11:01 AM EDT
Do Darwin Blanch’s Siblings Play Tennis? Everything to Know About the Young American’s Power-Packed Family
April 25, 2024 01:54 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Sakkari vs Sabalenka Prediction
Coming into the match, Sakkari will have to serve impeccably well to neutralize the effect of Sabalenka’s returns. Sakkari will have to play aggressively from the baseline, otherwise, Sabalenka will sway the match towards her side. With the quick courts favoring Sakkari’s game style, she should look to come to the net more often to shorten the points.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The hard-hitting Sabalenka has already beaten Sakkari twice last year and has the ability to break her opponent’s defense with her blistering groundstrokes. The No.4 seed will face a tough challenge from Sakkari but will most likely reach the final.
Prediction: Aryna Sabalenka to win in three sets.