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

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

World number four and the top seeded Sofia Kenin will be up against the Belgian veteran Kirsten Flipkens in the second round of the 2021 WTA Abu Dhabi. The match is set to played on January 8th. Both the players had a tough time in their first round matches making it an exciting battle between the two strong women competitors.

Match Details:

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

Sofia Kenin vs Kirsten Flipkens: Match Preview

Sofia Kenin

Although Kenin was the obvious favorite in her first round match of the Abu Dhabi Open against Chinese qualifier Zhaoxuan Yang, the American did not exactly have an easy time.

The 2020 Australian Open champion got her first break after a long 14 games and the match stretched on for almost two hours before Kenin notched up a gritty win against Yang to set up a second-round clash with Belgian Veteran Flipkens.

FS Video

The former World No.13, Flipkens made it to the second round because of her stunning comeback against her first round competitor, Laura Siegemund. The experienced and cool-headed Belgian turned things around from a sets deficit and even further trailing 3-1 in the second set, to clinch the encounter.

Sofia Kenin vs Kirsten Flipkens: Head to Head

Kirsten Flipkens

The World No.4 has won both the previous two times she played against Flipkens and both her victories came in 2019. The head to head tilts in the young American’s favor, 2-0.

Sofia Kenin vs Kirsten Flipkens: Prediction

Sofia Kenin

Kenin should not have too many worries bagging this victory however, her early signs of weariness in the opener against Yang could allow Flipkens to sneak her way ahead in the game but doing that will not be too easy for the Belgian.

Match Prediction: Sofia Kenin in two sets.

Also Read: WTA Abu Dhabi Open 2021: Yulia Putintseva vs Barbora Krejcikova – Preview, Head-to-Head & Prediction