Abu Dhabi Open 2021 Final Preview: Sabalenka vs Kudermetova

The first tournament of the 2021 WTA season draws to a conclusion as Aryna Sabalenka and Veronika Kudermetova face off in the final of the Abu Dhabi Open on Wednesday.

Sabalenka is aiming to win her third consecutive title, following back-to-back triumphs at Ostrava and Linz to end the 2020 season. The World No.10 is on a 14-match winning streak, and could see her ranking rise to a career-high of World No.7 if she were to win the title.

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Sabalenka and Kudermetova set up Abu Dhabi final clash

World No.46 Kudermetova is hoping to claim her maiden WTA singles title, having reached her first final after previously going 0-4 in WTA semifinals. The Russian upset second seed Elina Svitolina en route to the final, and could reach a new career-high of No.33 were she to win the title.

Sabalenka's lone meeting against Kudermetova came in Antalya, Turkey on the ITF Challenger Circuit back in 2015. The Belarusian escaped with the victory, although both ladies were ranked outside the Top 300 at that time.

WTA Abu Dhabi Wednesday's Schedule of Play:

09:00 Aryna Sabalenka (4) vs Veronika Kudermetova

Click here to follow live scores and up-to-date results from Abu Dhabi, Antalya and Delray Beach.  

wta on Twitter: "The two Abu Dhabi finalists spoke after their wins today 😀 #AbuDhabiWTA https://t.co/I4dsi2wjvu" / Twitter