The WTA Abu Dhabi tournament is heating up as players gear up for more first-round action. The matchups feature some of the brightest emerging talents in women’s tennis, and there is excitement surrounding the betting prospects.
In a notable first-round clash, Janice Tjen will face off against Maya Joint, marking their first career meeting. Tjen, who enjoyed significant success in 2025 with an impressive 75-15 record and eight tournament titles, including two on the WTA circuit, looks to build on her remarkable year. Although Joint saw a decrease in her win total, she finished 2025 with a solid record of 54-28 after achieving 62 wins in 2024. The betting odds are tight, with Tjen slightly favored or the match viewed as a toss-up. However, analysts suggest that Joint, who competes at the WTA level exclusively, could be the smart pick at odds of 2.08 on Pinnacle.
Another anticipated matchup features Darya Kasatkina taking on Simona Waltert. Waltert has shown resilience with a 5-4 start in 2026, highlighted by a quarterfinal appearance at WTA Canberra. In contrast, Kasatkina has struggled this year, only securing a win against Maria Sakkari in WTA Adelaide. Despite both players lacking momentum, Kasatkina is favored to win this match, with betting odds of 1.67 on bwin reflecting her past success. Given Waltert’s history on hard courts, the betting community sees value in backing Kasatkina.
Lastly, the featured match of the day pits Dayana Yastremska against Beatriz Haddad Maia in their first encounter. Haddad Maia boasts an impressive hardcourt record of 226-126, while Yastremska stands at 115-96. Though both players have faced challenges at the start of the 2026 season, Haddad Maia’s experience and previous semifinal runs in Abu Dhabi make her a formidable opponent. With betting odds at 2.44 on Betfair, Haddad Maia presents a promising value bet for those looking towards this contest.
As the tournament progresses, these matches are expected to captivate tennis fans, showcasing exciting young talent and established players in a competitive atmosphere. With close contests on the horizon, this WTA event offers plenty of opportunities for both spectators and bettors alike.