Jelena Ostapenko vs Iga Swiatek Prediction & Betting Tips - WTA Dubai Tennis Championships

Prediction published on 15/02/2022, 06:46  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 18/02/2022 at 16:46 in Tennis Predictions

Sixth seeded Iga Swiatek takes on unseeded Jelena Ostapenko in the Dubai Tennis Championships second round. Swiatek had a comfortable first round success beating Daria Kasatkina 6-2 6-1. The Pole has been as high as fourth in the rankings this year but began the week in ninth. Her first round win puts her up to eighth in the live rankings. This year has seen her play two tournaments, reachig the semi-final in both Adelaide and the Australian Open. Swiatek is looking to get her first win over Ostapenko. Two previous matches in Birmingham three years ago and Indian Wells in 2021 both saw her lose in straight sets.

Jelena Ostapenko has risen seven places in the world rankings this year. This week began with the Latvian in 21st place but her first round win has seen her rise to 19th in the live rankings. Ostapenko also won her first round match 6-2 6-1, beating out-of-form Sofia Kenin. Ostapenko reached the semi-final in St Petersburg last week but didn't beat any players ranked in the top 60. The former world number five made it to the final of this tournament six years ago but has failed to get past the third round since then. Swiatek can be backed to get the win here.