The highly anticipated matchup between Paula Badosa and Aliaksandra Sasnovich at the 2026 Abu Dhabi Open is set to take place in February 2026 at the Zayed Sports City International Tennis Centre in Abu Dhabi, UAE. This event is part of the WTA 500 series and will be played on outdoor hard courts, with broadcasts available on Sky Sports Tennis in the UK and Tennis Channel in the USA. Fans can also stream the match via Sky Go and Tennis Channel online.
Currently, Paula Badosa holds the 26th spot in the world rankings but has had a challenging start to the 2026 season, only securing one victory in her preceding tournaments in Brisbane and Adelaide, and experiencing an early exit from the Australian Open. On the contrary, Aliaksandra Sasnovich, ranked 104th, has begun the season on a more positive note, achieving seven wins, including those gained during the qualifying rounds, and reaching the round of 16 in Brisbane.
The two players have met previously on two occasions, with their head-to-head record standing at 1-1. Their last battle was four years ago in Rome, where Badosa won in straight sets. Sasnovich’s lone victory against Badosa dates back to 2015.
As for match predictions, while Badosa’s experience may offer her an advantage, her recent struggles and potential injury concerns could influence the match’s competitiveness. Many anticipate a favorable outcome for Badosa, with predictions leaning towards her winning in straight sets, assuming she remains in good form; however, Sasnovich, as the underdog, could seize any opportunity should signs of weaknesses surface from Badosa.
All eyes will be on this match as both players look to make their mark, reinforcing the unpredictable and exciting nature of women’s tennis.