WTA Abu Dhabi Open 2021: Daria Kasatkina vs Karolina Muchova Preview, Head to Head & Prediction

WTA Abu Dhabi Open 2021: Daria Kasatkina vs Karolina Muchova Preview, Head to Head & Prediction
Daria Kasatkina and Karolina Muchova

Russian Daria Kasatkina has set up a tie with Czech Republican, Karolina Muchova as her second round opponent at the 2021 WTA Abu Dhabi Open. Kasatkina made it to the second round after beating Wang Qiang in three sets where as Muchova had a comfortable victory in the first round against Danka Kovinic.

Match Details:

  • Date: 8th January, 2021
  • Tournament: Abu Dhabi Women’s Tennis Open 2021
  • Fixture: Daria Kasatkina vs Karolina Muchova
  • Venue: Abu Dhabi, UAE
  • Category: WTA 500
  • Round: Round of 32 (Second round)
  • Surface: Outdoor Hardcourt
  • Prize money: $565,530

Daria Kasatkina vs Karolina Muchova: Match Preview

Daria Kasatkina

Kasatkina is the first winner of the new season of this Abu Dhabi tournament, beating Wang Qiang 6-2, 3-6, 6-2 after trailing 2-0 in the deciding set. It was the Russian’s first match since October. In 2020, the Russian delivered mixed results as she continued to struggle with her form. Her best result came in at Lyon last year, where she reached her first semi-final since 2018. At the Grand Slams, Kasatkina had a poor run, mostly not making it beyond the opening two rounds anywhere.

Karolina Muchova took over Montenegrin, Danka Kovinic in straight sets in the first round of the Abu Dhabi Open. However, even the Czech Republican could not produce good performances in 2020. She made minor progress with consistent result over the past year. Muchová’s best performance of the season came at the US Open, where she beat Venus Williams on her way to her first Round of 16.

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Daria Kasatkina vs Karolina Muchova: Head to head

Karolina Muchova

There is no head to head record between Daria Kasatkina and Karolina Muchova since this would be the first time that they will face off in the main tour.

Daria Kasatkina vs Karolina Muchova: Prediction

Daria Kasatkina

Former World No.10 Daria Kasatkina comes into this fixture as the favorite to win the maiden encounter against the Czech Republican, Karolina Muchova. Kasatkina rallied from a break down in the final set to upend Wang Qiang in the opening match to earn her first win of 2021 at the Abu Dhabi WTA Women’s Tennis Open.

Although Muchova had an easier match as compared to the Russian in the first round, Kasatkina is a popular name in women’s tennis and has been known to pose a threat on her best days. Nevertheless, it will be an thrilling battle to witness.

Match Prediction: Daria Kasatkina wins in three sets.

Also Read: WTA Abu Dhabi Open 2021: Sofia Kenin vs Kirsten Flipkens – Preview, Head to head & Prediction