Samsonova Faces Kenin: 2026 Abu Dhabi Open First Round Preview & Prediction
Liudmila Samsonova is set to face Sofia Kenin in the first round of the 2026 Abu Dhabi Open. This match will take place at the Zayed Sports City International Tennis Centre in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on outdoor hard courts. The tournament holds WTA 500 ranking points.
Match Preview: Samsonova vs Kenin
This matchup is especially intriguing as both players are eager to turn their seasons around. Samsonova, currently ranked 18th in the world, has recently endured three consecutive losses. Her last notable performance was reaching the quarter-finals in Brisbane. Meanwhile, Sofia Kenin, ranked 30th, also struggles to find form. She began the year promisingly but faced a disappointing loss to Peyton Stearns, where she was defeated with scores of 3-6, 2-6.
Head-to-Head History
- Samsonova leads the head-to-head series against Kenin 2-1.
- Their most recent encounter was in October 2023 at Wuhan, where Samsonova triumphed 3-6, 6-3, 6-1.
Expectations and Predictions
Given Samsonova’s fighting spirit in her recent matches, she is favored to win this encounter. Her improved performance despite setbacks indicates readiness for this challenge. Fans and analysts alike are anticipating a closely contested match, with Samsonova likely emerging victorious based on previous results.
Viewing Information
Fans can catch the action through various broadcasting platforms:
- UK: Sky Sports Tennis
- USA: Tennis Channel
For online streaming, UK viewers can access matches via Sky Go, while US viewers can watch through Tennis Channel.
Ticket Information
For those interested in attending, tickets for the match and the tournament may be purchased through official links available on Filmogaz.com.
