The Middle East Swing continues with attention turning to the WTA Dubai event – the WTA Dubai Championship. The tournament has a stacked draw and there are plenty of exciting matches on the slate on day one including Magda Linette vs Dayana Yastremska. As ever, were here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate. But who will book their spot in the second round?

WTA Dubai Day 1 Predictions

Donna Vekic vs Sofia Kenin

Head-to-Head: First Meeting

Donna Vekic and Sofia Kenin face off in the opening round of the 2025 WTA Dubai Championships. Vekic, ranked 19th, has been in solid form, while Kenin has shown resilience despite inconsistency. With no prior head-to-head record, this match is unpredictable, but Vekic’s superior ranking and recent performances in recent matches make her the slight favorite. Expect a competitive clash, with Vekic likely to prevail.

Prediction: Vekic in 3

Linda Noskova vs Yulia Putintseva

Head-to-Head: Noskova 1:1 Putinsteva

Linda Noskova and Yulia Putintseva clash in the opening round of the 2025 WTA Dubai Championships barely a week after their clash in Doha at the round of 16. Noskova won convincingly and will be confident she can replicate that result here. Noskova’s recent momentum gives her a slight edge, but Putintseva’s tenacity could extend the match.

Prediction: Noskova in 2

Liudmila Samsonova vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova

Head-to-Head: Samsonova 1:1 Pavelyuchenkova

In an all-Russian battle, Liudmila Samsonova takes on veteran Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. Samsonova’s powerful baseline game and strong serve make her a tough opponent on hard courts, while Pavlyuchenkova’s experience and shot-making ability could keep this competitive. Pavelyuchenkova has been the more consistent player recently, and if she dictates with her shot-making, she should come through.

Prediction: Pavelyuchenkova in 2

Belinda Bencic vs. Aoi Ito

Head-to-Head: First Meeting

Belinda Bencic returns to action against qualifier Aoi Ito in a favorable opening-round matchup. Bencic, a former Dubai champion, has the experience and firepower to control the match, while Ito, still developing at the top level, will look to test her opponent with steady baseline play. Unless Bencic struggles with fatigue, she should advance comfortably in straight sets.

Prediction: Bencic in 2

Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images