Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open Feb 1st to Feb 7th 2026

Clara Tauson was DTM's pick at the outset and she now sits as strong favourite to reach the final as her opponent is the young Czech, Sara Bejlek. Her route to this point has been achieved by winning 5 matches all in straight sets. She will be a tough nut to crack but Tauson's experience should see her through to the final:) The other semi final looks likely to go the way of the higher see. So expect #3 seed v #2 seed in Saturday's final :) 

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C.Tauson to beat S.Bejlek

E.Alexandrova to beat H.Baptiste

The bigger names should dominate the four quarter finals in Abu Dhabi. After her miraculous win against Sasnovich, Alexandra Eala will find Alexandrova a lot tougher. Sonay Kartal is flying high and will beat Bejlek. 

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E.Alexandrova to beat A.Eala

S.Kartal to beat S.Bejlek

Alexandra Eala is a great hard court player. Her only challenge ahead is ensuring her serve becomes more of a weapon to help her beat top 30 opponent. Sasnovich is a good player but not at the same level as Eala. DTM expects a win for Eala here :) 

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A.Eala to beat A.Sasnovich

Leylah Fernandez has been struggling to get going in 2026. Her confidence is wafer thin so a battle against Kessler is less than ideal. The percentage call is to back the America. DTM is fully behind Clara Tauson this week. Her form in Australia was secure. She should win her first two matches which would leave her with a one match takes all semi final to determine a return for each way followers. 

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M.Kessler to beat L.Fernandez

C.Tauson to beat S.Waltert

Haddad Maia has a big serve and enjoys playing in the Middle East. Her form is more proven at the venue against Yastremska who has hit a road run in recent weeks. Samsonova should take care of Kenin whose game looks dated and vulnerable to big hitters these days. Sonay Kartal had a good win against Sasnovich so should be ready to add another victory in her next match with Bucsa.

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B.Haddad Maia to beat D.Yastremska 

L.Samsonova to beat S.Kenin

S.Kartal to beat C.Bucsa

The players who have shot across to Abu Dhabi from Melbourne all lost in the first week of the Australian Open. However some looked more impressive than others including Clara Tauson who reached the 3rd round before narrowly losing to Mboko. Her form on hard courts at this time of year is worth noting. DTM would rather have her at 8/1 than Bencic at 2/1. As reigning champion she will be busy off court with commitments to event sponsors and the hosts. Given her vulnerable serve Tauson looks favourite to make the final from the top half :)

The bottom half is wide open with anyone potentially reaching the final. Samsonova is a good option but only if she has moved on from her awful loss against Siegemund in the Australian Open. From 6-0 and 5-2 up she contrived to lose. A good win against Sofia Kenin will help:)  Please note that there have been several late withdrawals leaving the first round to have some different match ups.

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C.Tauson from the top half already advised

L.Samsonova to do well from the bottom half

Belinda Bencic and Ekaterina Alexandrova both return to action immediately after a grand slam. Both are on the cusp of the top 10 if not hovering inside it. Elena Rybakina is on the entry list but is suspected to withdraw. Lots of other players inside the top 40 turn out for this WTA500 event. Another player who may struggle to return to action having withdrawn from the Australian Open is Qinwen Zheng. She is a notable entrant but again worth checking if she is fit to go?

The #3 seed is Clara Tauson who reached the 3rd round in Melbourne. She only lost out in a very close 3 set match with Mboko so her form is secure coming into this event and certainly better than most :) She is not as consistent as those at the top of the rankings but her aggressive style and big serve is a big reason for backing her against a field which doesn’t possess a top 5 player.

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Clara Tauson each way for the title @8/1