Jelena Ostapenko vs Veronika Kudermetova Prediction & Betting Tips - WTA Dubai Tennis Championships

Prediction published on 18/02/2022, 09:44  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 18/02/2022 at 17:50 in Tennis Predictions

Jelena Ostapenko is back in the Dubai final after a six year absence. This time the Latvian is out to win the title with a win over Veronika Kudermetova. It's been another week of surprises and both finalists are unseeded. Jelena Ostapenko began the week ranked 21st but is up to 15th in the live rankings. A win in the final will take her up to 13th and sixth in the WTA Race. Ostapenko has continued the good form that saw her reach the semi-finals in St Petersburg last week. This week has seen her beat Sofia Kenin, sixth seeded Iga Swiatek, Petra Kvitova and in the semi-final, Simona Halep. It's been a tough route for sure and the last three matches have all gone to a final set.

World number 31 Veronika Kudermetova had never previously made it past the second round in Dubai. That's all changed this week and she has reached her second final of the year. The other was in Melbourne in January where she lost to Simona Halep in the final. Her only previous WTA Tour title was in Charleston last year in a clay court tournament. Kudermetova is up to 25th in the live rankings and that's her highest ever position. A win here will see her rise another place. To get to the final, Kudermetova has beaten Victoria Azarenka, fourth seed (and winner of this tournament last year) Garbine Muguruza, Jil Tiechmann and then received a walkover in the semi-final when scheduled opponent Marketa Vondrousova withdrew. Ostapenko has had a great week and can win this final, though it may take three sets to do so.