It promises to be a fun-filled day at the WTA 1000 in Duba with 16 exciting matches to look forward to. In this piece, three matches include players meeting for the first time, including the potential blockbuster between Belinda Bencic and Emma Navarro. As always, we at LWOT predict who will make it to the next round.

WTA Dubai Day 3 Predictions Including Belinda Bencic vs Emma Navarro

Elena Rybakina vs Moyuka Uchijima

Head–to–Head: First Meeting

Elena Rybakina is rightly favoured to win this match, but I fail to see why she is so much of a substantial favourite, considering this is her first meeting against a player who has won her last three matches, including two as the underdog and of course, she beat a red-hot Jelena Ostapenko in straight sets in the first round.

Additionally, Rybakina hasn’t been firing on all cylinders since former coach Goran Ivanisevic left in January.

If the Japanese youngster can keep her serve, don’t be surprised if she nicks a set before securing an upset.

Prediction: Uchijima in 3

Qinwen Zheng vs Peyton Stearns

Head–to–Head: First Meeting
Zheng’s aggressive baseline play and powerful serve have been instrumental in her recent successes. Her ability to handle high-pressure situations was evident in her performance at the WTA Finals, where she pushed Gauff to the limit.

Stearns, meanwhile, has struggled against higher-ranked opponents. Her recent loss to Jabeur highlights her challenges when up against top-tier players. To pose a significant threat to Zheng, Stearns would need to elevate her game considerably, focusing on minimizing unforced errors and capitalizing on any opportunities presented.

While Stearns has the potential to challenge Zheng, especially if she can find her rhythm early, the expectation is that Zheng’s experience and form will see her through to victory in straight sets.

Prediction: Zheng in 2

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Belinda Bencic vs Emma Navarro

Head–to–Head: First Meeting

Former world #4 recently made a remarkable return to the WTA Tour after maternity leave to become the first mother to win a WTA singles title since Elina Svitolina in 2023 after winning in Abu Dhabi.

The resilient American Emma Navarro reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, marking her third consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinal appearance. Notably, she achieved this feat by winning four consecutive three-set matches, a record equalled only once in the Open Era.

This first encounter between both players will pitch Bencic’s aggressive baseline play, tactical intelligence, and powerful groundstrokes against Navarro’s exceptional endurance, mental strength and tenacity.

This will be a high-quality encounter with the Swiss player continuing her remarkable journey to the acme of the sport.
Prediction: Bencic in 3

Mirra Andreeva vs Marketa Vondrousova

Head–to–Head: Andreeva 1 vs 0 Vondrousova

Mirra Andreeva has demonstrated consistent performances on hard courts, and she demonstrated her capabilities with the first-round annihilation of Elina Avanesyan, maintaining her unbeaten record against the Armenians.

Czech left-hander Marketa Vondrousova also showcased her strategic play and on-court versatility to record an emphatic 6-2, 6-2 over Caroline Garcia in the first round, although it has to be said the French woman is out of sought now.

Andreeva’s game is more suited to the conditions in Dubai. Her ability to dictate rallies and control the game will give her the win in a closely contested match. Give me the Russian to advance.
Prediction: Andreeva in 3

Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports