Are you ready for a popcorn clash at the WTA Dubai 2021? Fans are in store for one, as Spain’s Garbine Muguruza will lock horns with the 19-year-old Iga Swiatek in the Round of 16.

They are fighting for the 21st edition of the Women’s Dubai Tennis Championships. It is a title that is missing from the trophy cabinet of both the players.

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Iga Swiatek v Garbine Muguruza: Preview

Garbine Muguruza, 27, has spent a substantial amount of time on the court in 2021. Presently, she is playing her fifth tournament of the season.

Additionally, the Spaniard has finished runner-up in two of the five tournaments, WTA Melbourne and WTA Qatar. Thus, she would be thirsty to win her first title of the year.

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For Iga Swiatek, the good results continue on the tour as she recently won the Adelaide International. However, the young gun has ambitions to achieve more in the coming years.

In fact, a win against the two-time Grand Slam champion will be a stepping stone for Iga. But, to finish as the victor against Muguruza does not come without a price.

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Swiatek v Muguruza: Head-to-Head

The 2016 French Open winner and the 2020 French Open winner have never faced each other in their tennis careers. They will begin their head-to-head rivalry on March 10 at the Aviation Tennis Club Centre.

Coming into this match, Swiatek defeated Japan’s Misaki Doi 6-2, 6-4; Muguruza outlived American Amanda Anisimova 6-4, 6-2.

Swiatek v Muguruza: Prediction

As she is the more experienced of the duo, the Spaniard will start as a favorite for the match. But following her breakthrough at Roland Garros, fans cannot rule out Swiatek.

Strategic planning will be key for the Polish teenager, as she would hope to convert as many first serves as possible. Also, Swiatek has to make more returns than her opponent, forcing Muguruza to hit unforced errors.

Across the net, the 2017 Wimbledon champion will stand again in her calm and composed posture. To outlive Swiatek, the world No. 16 has to maintain her level throughout and capitalize on any small chance that may come her way.

The Polish professional is known to give away a crack between matches for opponents to slip in. Therefore, the outcomes of crucial under-pressure points will decide the fate of the match.

Only considering the current form, the young gun has the grit to upset the veteran player and advance to the quarters.

Prediction: Iga Swiatek def. Garbine Muguruza in straight sets.

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