WTA Abu Dhabi: Kenin, Muguruza, Sabalenka with opening successes
Australian Open winner Sofia Kenin started the tennis year 2021 with a success at the WTA Tour 500 tournament in Abu Dhabi. Aryna Sabalenka and Garbine Muguruza have also remained successful.
by tennisnet.com
last edit:
Jan 07, 2021, 02:41 pm
One thing is clear: the top stars did not come to the WTA Tour 500 tournament in Abu Dhabi because of the prize money. Well, the winner is $ 68,570, but it's quite a long way to get there with a 64 grid. If you win your first two matches, you can only have 6,480 US dollars credited, minus the applicable taxes.
Some of the big names have made it to Abu Dhabi, especially the reigning Australian Open winner Sofia Kenin. She struggled a little on her first appearance before she was able to prevail with Yang Zhaoxuan 7: 5 and 6: 3 after just under two hours.
Sabalenka continues winning streak
In round two, Kenin meets Kirsten Flipkens, who had defeated Laura Siegemund in three sets at the start. Also next is Aryna Sabalenka. The Belarusian continued her winning streak from autumn 2020 (when she won in Ostrava and Linz) against Polona Hercog, winning 7: 6 (5) and 6: 2. Sabalenka will play against Ajla Tomljanovic in round two.
And Garbine Muguruza is also allowed to continue playing in Abu Dhabi. The Spaniard got a really nice run in the first set against Kristina Mladenovic after 0: 2 deficit, finally won 6: 2 and 6: 4. And now he has to deal with Aliaksandra Sasnovich.