WTA tennis rolls on with a marquee WTA 1000 stop in Dubai, where the quick hard courts reward first-strike tennis and depth from the baseline. With little time to settle into rallies, execution and composure under pressure will be key from the opening round. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the schedule. But who will advance?

WTA Dubai Day 1 Predictions 
Peyton Stearns vs Qinwen Zheng

Head-to-Head: Stearns 1–0 Zheng

Stearns produced one of her best wins at this event last season, recovering from a set down to edge Zheng in a high-tempo baseline battle. Her ability to absorb pace and redirect off both wings proved decisive on these courts. Zheng brings heavy firepower and big-match pedigree, but her level has fluctuated at times early this year. If Stearns can again manage the tempo and extend rallies when needed, she has the tools to test Zheng’s consistency. Expect momentum swings in a match that should feature plenty of clean ball-striking. 
Prediction: Stearns in 3

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova vs Barbora Krejcikova

Head-to-Head: Krejcikova 1–0 Pavlyuchenkova 

Pavlyuchenkova’s flat power and experience make her dangerous on a fast surface, particularly when she lands a high first-serve percentage. Krejcikova, though, brings variety and point construction that can blunt raw pace. Her ability to mix height, angles, and sudden acceleration often disrupts rhythm, especially in quicker conditions. While Pavlyuchenkova can dictate in short bursts, Krejcikova’s steadier recent level and tactical flexibility may allow her to control the longer exchanges and capitalize on tight moments.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 2

Zeynep Sonmez vs Sara Bejlek

Head-to-Head: Sonmez 1–0 Bejlek

Both players continue to build momentum on Tour, but Sönmez enters with slightly sharper recent form. She handled their previous meeting confidently and has shown an ability to step inside the baseline and take initiative. Bejlek competes well and defends stubbornly, yet she can be pressured when opponents dictate early. On a surface that rewards proactive tennis, Sonmez’s aggression may give her the edge if she maintains control of the first strike.
Prediction: Sonmez in 2

Diana Shnaider vs Maya Joint

Head-to-Head: Joint 1–0 Shnaider 

Joint claimed their first encounter with composed, clean hitting, absorbing pressure in key moments. Shnaider’s lefty patterns and heavy groundstrokes can overwhelm opponents when her timing is sharp, but her level has varied recently. Joint’s steady trajectory and comfort in extended baseline exchanges suggest another tight contest. If she keeps errors in check and serves efficiently, she can again edge the bigger swings of Shnaider.
Prediction: Joint in 3 

Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images