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. 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

Elise Mertens vs. Leylah Fernandez

Head-to-Head: First Meeting

Elise Mertens and Leylah Fernandez meet in a tight first-round battle in Dubai. Their head-to-head is 1-1, with Fernandez winning their last clash at the 2023 US Open. Mertens’ consistency and tactical variety could trouble Fernandez, but the Canadian’s aggressive counterpunching and recent form give her the edge. Expect a close match, but Fernandez is the marginal favorite.

Prediction: Fernandez in 3

Alycia Parks vs. Xinyu Wang

Head-to-Head: First Meeting

Alycia Parks and Xinyu Wang face off in a contrast of styles in Dubai. Parks, with her big serve and power game, can be dangerous on fast courts but has struggled with consistency. Wang, the more solid all-around player, has been in better form, recently breaking into the Top 40. Wang’s steadier baseline play should give her the advantage. Unless Parks finds her rhythm on serve.

Prediction: Parks in 3

Lulu Sun vs. Paula Badosa

Head-to-Head: Sun 1:0 Badosa

Lulu Sun takes on former world No. 2 Paula Badosa in a tricky opening-round match. Sun got a win over Badosa in the first round here last year after leading by a set before the Spaniard retired due to injury. Badosa will look to regain the momentum from her run at the Australian Open and her experience and the level physicality she brings here will be a crucial factor. If she stays solid from the baseline, Badosa should come through in straight sets.

Prediction: Badosa in 2

Magda Linette vs. Dayana Yastremska

Head-to-Head: Yastremska 3:1 Linette

Magda Linette faces the in-form Dayana Yastremska in a tough first-round clash. Linette’s consistency and experience make her a steady opponent, but Yastremska, fresh off a deep run in Linz, has been playing with confidence and aggression. Given Yastremska’s recent form and firepower, she is favored to win in straight sets unless Linette can disrupt her rhythm.

Prediction: Yastremska in 2

Main Photo Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports