WTA Abu Dhabi Open 2021: Garbiñe Muguruza vs Kristina Mladenovic – Preview, Head-to-Head & Prediction

WTA Abu Dhabi Open 2021: Garbiñe Muguruza vs Kristina Mladenovic – Preview, Head-to-Head & Prediction
Garbiñe Muguruza

World No. 15 Garbiñe Muguruza is set to face World No.50 Kristina Mladenovic in the first round of the newly-formed WTA Abu Dhabi Open in 2021. While Muguruza will try to reclaim her lost form, Mladenovic’s aim will be to do better in the singles game.

Match details

  • Date: 7th January, 2021
  • Tournament: Abu Dhabi Women’s Tennis Open 2021
  • Fixture: Garbiñe Muguruza vs Kristina Mladenovic
  • Venue: Abu Dhabi, UAE
  • Category: WTA 500
  • Round: Round of 64 (First round)
  • Surface: Outdoor Hardcourt
  • Prize money: $565,530

Garbiñe Muguruza vs Kristina Mladenovic: Match Preview

Mladenovic and Muguruza

Spanish star Garbiñe Muguruza comes into this tournament, after an underwhelming 2020. She failed to lift a single title last year, with her finals appearance at the Australian Open being her highlight of the year. In addition to her performance at Melbourne, Muguruza bowed of the US Open in the second round and at the French Open at the third round. While she only played at 3 tournaments post the lockdown, ending the year trophy less will surely hurt Muguruza’s confidence. Her Roland Garros appearance was her last tournament in 2020.

France’s Kristina Mladenovic is a well-renowned doubles player. But when it comes to the singles format, her metal isn’t so shiny. In 2020, Mladenovic’s best performance in the singles was her round of 16 appearances at the Lyon Open and the Dubai Tennis Championships. But her best show on the court arguable came when she lifted the Doubles Roland Garros title with Hungarian Timea Babos.

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Garbiñe Muguruza vs Kristina Mladenovic: Head-to-Head

Kristina Mladenovic

In the past, Muguruza and Mladenovic have locked horns on three occasions. Kristina Mladenovic leads Muguruza 2-1 on head-to-head. The Frenchwoman has defeated the Spaniard at the Roland Garros 2017, in the fourth round and the Marrakech 2015, at the same stage.

Garbiñe Muguruza’s only victory against Mladenovic came at the 2019 Monterrey Open. Muguruza overcame Mladenovic at the quarterfinals and went on to lift the title in Mexico that year.

Garbiñe Muguruza vs Kristina Mladenovic: Match Prediction

Garbiñe Muguruza

This is a match that could be full of surprises. Both the players have been away from the court for a long time, and haven’t been in the best of forms. And that is what will make this encounter fascinating to watch. Though Muguruza, seeded 5th, enters the contest as the favorite due to her superior ranking and overall 2020 form, don’t count Mladenovic out just yet.

If Muguruza wants to beat Mladenovic in this match, she has bring her aggressiveness to the court. The Spaniard has to employ her experience at the highest level to win the match. Mladenovic, on the other hand, will face tough odds. She has a strong first serve in her arsenal and will look to use that weapon to puzzle Muguruza. A close competition is expected. Mladenovic will surely give Muguruza a run for her money.

Match Prediction: Garbiñe Muguruza will win this match in straight sets.

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