Day 3 of the WTA Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships sees the second round unfold, presenting an array of intriguing contests on the outdoor hard courts. Expect players in peak form and with significant hard-court expertise to vie for advancement in this prestigious WTA 1000 tournament. As is our custom, we at LWOT are poised to deliver our predictions for every match on the docket. So, who will emerge victorious?
WTA Dubai Day 3 Match Previews
Belinda Bencic vs Sara Bejlek
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Bencic arrives with a strong hard-court pedigree, characterized by her precise ball-striking, diverse game, and extensive experience in major competitions. She commenced her week with a commanding straight-sets victory. Her game features effective pace variation and composure under pressure. Bejlek, on the other hand, is currently enjoying a remarkable streak, fueled by confidence from recent deep runs and exhibiting an aggressive baseline approach with numerous winners. This inaugural encounter promises to be a test for both, but Bencic’s steadfastness and capability to dictate play on quicker surfaces should give her an edge.
Prediction: Bencic in 2
Linda Noskova vs Sorana Cirstea
Head-to-Head: Noskova 1–0 Cirstea
Noskova’s powerful serve and aggressive groundstrokes are perfectly suited for the hard courts of Dubai. She has built considerable momentum, securing a hard-fought win in her opening match despite dropping a set, and thrives on seizing the initiative early. Cirstea is riding her own impressive winning streak, leveraging her experience, flat hitting, and knack for redirecting pace to challenge opponents. Their previous meeting saw Noskova triumph in three sets on a hard surface, and her current form combined with her powerful hitting should once again guide her to victory.
Prediction: Noskova in 3
Jessica Pegula vs Varvara Gracheva
Head-to-Head: Pegula 1–0 Gracheva
Pegula has demonstrated exceptional form this season, securing wins in the majority of her 2026 matches. She consistently displays baseline dominance with her flat groundstrokes and intelligent point construction on hard courts. Entering the draw refreshed after a bye, she possesses a proven track record at this tournament level. Gracheva qualified impressively and battled through a demanding three-set first-round match, showcasing her resilience and solid court coverage. Their prior encounter on hard courts favored Pegula, and her ability to maintain composure during rallies is expected to be the deciding factor here.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images