WTA Abu Dhabi Open 2021: Aryna Sabalenka vs Maria Sakkari – Preview, Head to Head & Prediction


WTA Abu Dhabi Open 2021: Aryna Sabalenka vs Maria Sakkari – Preview, Head to Head & Prediction
Aryna Sabalenka vs Maria Sakkari

Fourth seed Aryna Sabalenka will face ninth seed Maria Sakkari in the semifinal at the WTA Abu Dhabi Open 2021. This will be high-profile and a high-octane contest which will bring the best out of both the player.

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Match Details:

  • Date: 12th January, 2021
  • Tournament: Abu Dhabi Women’s Tennis Open 2021
  • Fixture: Aryna Sabalenka vs Maria Sakkari
  • Venue: Abu Dhabi, UAE
  • Category: WTA 500
  • Round: Semifinals
  • Surface: Outdoor Hard Court
  • Prize money: $565,530

Aryna Sabalenka vs Maria Sakkari: Match Preview

Maria Sakkari

Greek Maria Sakkari comes into this semifinal after beating two giants in her last two matches. She defeated first seed Sofia Kenin in the quarterfinals against all the odds, 6-2, 2-6, 0-6. Before that, she swept Garbiñe Muguruza away in the Round of 16. Both of these wins will position Sakkari amongst the favorite to win the title.

Sakkari’s next opponent is a superior seeded player as well. Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka is now the highest-seeded player left in the competition. She comes into this match after a tough three-set win against Elena Rybakina in the quarterfinal. Sabalenka won that match 6-4, 4-6, 6-3.

Both the players played three-setter matches in the quarterfinals. In the semifinal, it will all boil down to who outlasts, outruns and outsmarts others to book her berth in the final.

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Aryna Sabalenka vs Maria Sakkari: Head-to-Head

Aryna Sabalenka

In the past, both the players have faced each other on four occasions. Sabalenka won the last three contests at Doha 2020, Dubai 2020 and WTA Elite 2019. While Sakkari won her first contest back at the Cincinnati Masters 2019. Sabalenka has a 3-1 lead on head-to-head. This stat becomes extremely crucial considering Sabalenka won three matches over Sakkari in past two years.

Aryna Sabalenka vs Maria Sakkari: Match Prediction

Maria Sakkari

On paper, Sabalenka is the clear favorite to in this match. However, Sakkari’s current form is inspirational. Her wins against Kenin and Muguruza made headlines this week, and will provide immense confidence to the Greek. However, it seems like Sakkari will put up a strong fight and will prevail against Sabalenka, to go one step closer to the title.

Match Prediction: Maria Sakkari to win this match after a strenuous three-sets.

Also Read: WTA Abu Dhabi Open 2021: Aryna Sabalenka vs Elena Rybakina – Preview, Head to Head & Prediction

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