WTA Abu Dhabi Open 2021: Karolina Pliskova vs Sorana Cirstea Preview, Head-to-Head and Prediction
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2021 season has finally arrived and the first tournament on the docket is the WTA Abu Dhabi Women’s Tennis Open 2021. Czech star Karolina Pliskova will face Romanian Sorana Cirstea in the Round of 64 clash, the victor will progress to the second round. This high-profile contest will surely produce high-quality performances from both the players.
Match details
- Date: 7th January, 2020
- Tournament: Abu Dhabi WTA Women’s Tennis Open
- Fixture: Karolina Pliskova vs Sorana Cirstea
- Venue: Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Category: WTA 500
- Round: Round of 64 (First round)
- Surface: Hardcourt
- Prize money: $565,530
Karolina Pliskova vs Sorana Cirstea: Match Preview
In the maiden edition of this WTA 500 event, 3rd seed Karolina Pliskova faces experienced Romanian Sorana Cirstea for a place in the second round. Pliskova holds the World No.6 rank and will look to continue her trend of winning titles early in the year. The Czech has won titles in the first week of the season in three of the past four years. Last year, Pliskova won the season-opening Brisbane International title, defeating Madison Keys in the final.
She failed to carry forward her momentum in further tournaments. Her next big performances came at the Italian Open, where she finished as the runner-up. During the off-season, Pliskova linked up with Naomi Osaka’s former coach Sascha Bajin.
Cirstea, on the other hand, is a tennis veteran. The 30-year-old enters the Abu Dhabi Open as the winner of the ITF United Arab Emirates 01A tournament in 2020. Cirstea ranks World No. 41. She defeated the likes of second seed Polona Hercog, fourth seed Anna Blinkova on her way to the final at Dubai. She outsmarted fifth seed Katerina Siniakova in the final 6-4, 3-6, 3-6. She will be brimming with confidence when she takes on Pliskova in Abu Dhabi.
Karolina Pliskova vs Sorana Cirstea: Head-to-Head
Pliskova and Cirstea have faced off against each other twice in the past. Both the players have won one a piece. The former World No.1 took the lead at the 2014 PTT Pattaya Open, where she overcame Cirstea in the quarterfinal stage in a tough three-setter match.
Cirstea levelled the deficit when the two met again at the China Open 2017. The Romanian whitewashed Pliskova in the round of 16 in straight sets, to qualify for the quarterfinals of that tournament.
Their clash at Abu Dhabi will decide who regains their advantage over another.
Karolina Pliskova vs Sorana Cirstea: Match Prediction
Both the player enter this match with different sets of forms. Sorana Cirstea’s last match was her title win at the ITF United Arab Emirates 01A tournament, which just concluded in December. Karolina Pliskova‘s last match was her round of 16 exit at the Ostrava Open, back in October. This long absence from court may be a factor during the match.
Though, this won’t be the only factor. Pliskova is known for her ability to start off-season on the highest possible note. Her form in the season Opening tournaments has been phenomenal, to say the least. Given that Sorana Cirstea is not the most consistent player in the game, Pliskova might just get the better of her.
Match Prediction: Karolina Pliskova will win this contest, but Cirstea won’t go down without a fight. Pliskova will win this match 2-1.
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