WTA Dubai 2026 Day 2 Preview: Competitive Clashes Highlight Early Rounds

DUBAI, UAE — The 2026 WTA 1000 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships continue Monday with a loaded slate of second‑round and final first‑round matchups that could set the tone for a dramatic week on the Middle East hard courts. Among the most anticipated clashes is Amanda Anisimova facing Barbora Krejčíková in a matchup blending power and tactical nous.

The tournament, held at the Dubai Tennis Stadium, features a deep women’s draw highlighted by top seeds such as Elena Rybakina, defending champion Mirra Andreeva, and Coco Gauff, ensuring intense competition throughout the early stages.

Anisimova vs. Krejčíková: Firepower Meets Experience

One of the marquee Day 2 contests pitches American hard‑hitting contender Amanda Anisimova against Czech veteran and former Grand Slam champion Barbora Krejčíková. Their match could be one of the closest of the day, as both players bring contrasting strengths to the court.

Anisimova arrives with solid recent form and a strong hard‑court record this season, making her slight favourite according to some projections. Her ability to dictate play with aggressive baseline shots and a dependable serve should keep her competitive in long rallies.

Krejčíková, meanwhile, has shown resilience and tactical variety throughout her career, including winning her first match in Dubai with a straight‑sets victory over Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova — the same opponent she famously defeated to lift her Roland Garros title. Her calmness under pressure and sharp court sense could extend rallies and disrupt Anisimova’s rhythm.

Many predictive models lean toward Anisimova progressing, thanks to her recent results and ranking edge. However, Krejčíková’s experience and adaptability make this one of the day’s most intriguing contests.

Other Notable Day 2 Matchups

Beyond the Anisimova‑Krejčíková showdown, Day 2 in Dubai features a variety of matchups that could have ripple effects on the later rounds:

• Leylah Fernandez vs. Janice Tjen: Fresh off a gritty win over 13th seed Liudmila Samsonova, Fernandez looks to rebound from earlier season struggles and avenge a previous loss to Tjen.
• Paula Badosa vs. Katerina Siniakova: Two inconsistent performers meet for the first time, with momentum and confidence likely to play decisive roles.
• Iva Jovic vs. Kamilla Rakhimova: A clash between an up‑and‑coming contender and a qualifying round survivor offers a chance for breakout performance.

Additional second‑round matches include international players such as Belinda Bencic, Sorana Cîrstea, and Victoria Mboko, all vying for deeper runs in a draw reshaped by recent withdrawals and schedule shifts.

Tournament Context and Competitive Landscape

This edition of the Dubai Championships arrives amid an active WTA Middle East swing, with five high‑tier events shaping early tour rankings and player rhythm. Dubai’s hard courts traditionally reward aggressive baseline play and serve precision, making it a proving ground for contenders building momentum toward the spring swing.

Notably, the event has also faced withdrawals from several top players due to injuries and calendar fatigue, opening the draw to lower‑ranked entrants and lucky losers — adding unpredictability to Day 2 and beyond.

Looking Ahead

As play unfolds Monday, fans will be watching for breakout performances and potential upsets that could redefine expectations in Dubai. For Anisimova and Krejčíková, a win not only advances their tournament hopes but also signals their readiness to challenge deeper into the WTA 1000 season.

With marquee names and rising talents on show, the early rounds promise compelling storylines and high‑quality tennis as the women’s tour continues its Middle East swing.