Kartal S vs Sasnovich A on 1 February
The stage is set for a captivating clash in the 2026 Abu Dhabi Tennis Championship as two highly skilled competitors, and , prepare to face off on February 1st. For both, the match is a pivotal moment, with a chance to make a deep run in the tournament and build momentum for the upcoming months. The hard courts of Abu Dhabi will witness an intriguing battle between contrasting playing styles, and the stakes are high as each player eyes a spot in the later rounds.
Kartal S: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Sena Kartal enters the match in solid form, having won four of her last five encounters. The Turkish player has developed a reputation for her aggressive baseline game, mixing heavy groundstrokes with quick, precise movement around the court. Kartal's ability to control the rallies from the baseline will be a critical factor in the upcoming match. Her serve, consistently clocking in at around 115 mph, has been a weapon, but it is her return game that truly sets her apart. Kartal boasts a return points won percentage of 50%, which is remarkable for her level of play and speaks to her anticipation and agility on the court.
One of Kartal's key strengths is her defensive play, often drawing opponents into long rallies where her stamina and court coverage become an advantage. Her rally win percentage on hard courts is 65%, and she is particularly adept at playing high-quality, deep balls that push her opponents off the baseline. However, her net play still leaves room for improvement, and against a strong player like Sasnovich, Kartal will need to avoid getting caught in mid-court exchanges where Sasnovich can take control.
Key to Kartal’s recent success has been her ability to hold serve in tight situations, converting 72% of her first serves into points won. This is a high percentage for a player at this stage in her career, indicating a solid serve strategy and high confidence on serve. However, her second serve, while effective, can sometimes be exploited by aggressive returners, and Sasnovich’s powerful return game will surely target this weakness.
Sasnovich A: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Aliaksandra Sasnovich arrives in Abu Dhabi with a clear game plan focused on dictating play from the start. Her last five matches have shown a mix of dominance and inconsistency, as she has alternated between commanding wins and close losses. Sasnovich's aggressive style is anchored by her power, particularly from the baseline. Her forehand is one of the most potent shots in the game, allowing her to set the tempo early in points. With a forehand win percentage of 65%, Sasnovich often controls rallies, forcing opponents to retreat. However, her backhand, while effective, can sometimes lack the same depth and precision under pressure.
One of Sasnovich’s standout attributes is her exceptional movement. She is fast, explosive, and capable of transitioning quickly from defense to offense. Sasnovich's serve has been inconsistent, with her first serve percentage hovering around 63%, which can make her vulnerable if she cannot hit her spots. Her second serve is weaker, and Kartal will likely look to exploit this with her solid return game. However, Sasnovich compensates with a deep, powerful second serve that can draw errors from her opponents.
In terms of strategy, Sasnovich’s game is built on relentless attacking. She excels in hitting first-strike tennis, meaning she is at her best when she can take control early in the point. Sasnovich is particularly dangerous when closing the net and finishing points with her serve-and-volley game. Her net play is above average for a baseline-oriented player, and it will be a crucial area to watch against Kartal, who will likely avoid coming to the net unless absolutely necessary. Sasnovich’s ability to transition from defense to offense is what makes her such a dangerous opponent on hard courts.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
The two players have not faced each other often on the WTA Tour, with their head-to-head standing at 1-1. Their most recent meeting was a high-intensity three-set match at the Australian Open in 2025, where Sasnovich came out victorious in a 7-5, 4-6, 6-3 thriller. However, Kartal managed to push Sasnovich to the limit with a well-executed return game and quick court coverage. Their previous encounter serves as a reminder of how closely matched they are, both in terms of talent and style.
In terms of psychological warfare, Sasnovich has the edge in big-match experience, having regularly competed in higher-stakes events. Kartal, while rising rapidly through the ranks, may still find herself challenged when faced with the pressure of a high-profile tournament. Sasnovich will certainly look to use her experience and established mental toughness to gain an upper hand, but Kartal’s ability to thrive under pressure has been demonstrated time and again, making this a compelling mental battle as much as a physical one.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
One of the most decisive areas in this match will be the battle between Sasnovich's forehand and Kartal's baseline consistency. Sasnovich will look to take control of the rallies with her power, while Kartal will counter with precise, deep shots to move Sasnovich off the baseline. The success of Kartal's return game will be a key factor—if she can neutralize Sasnovich’s serve early and get into long rallies, she might frustrate the Belarusian and force errors. Sasnovich, on the other hand, will need to push Kartal back with aggressive first serves and deep forehands to avoid getting drawn into long exchanges.
Another critical zone will be the net. Sasnovich’s ability to close points at the net with quick transitions from the baseline will give her an advantage, especially when she can execute her serve-and-volley game effectively. Kartal will need to be cautious not to be caught in these net exchanges, instead relying on her depth and consistency to force Sasnovich to stay in the rally and avoid coming forward too much.
Match Scenario and Prediction
The match will likely unfold as a battle of contrasting styles, with Sasnovich aiming to dominate with aggressive play and Kartal seeking to disrupt her rhythm with solid, consistent returns. The outcome will hinge on Kartal's ability to handle Sasnovich's power and counterattack, particularly off the forehand side. Sasnovich, meanwhile, will need to protect her second serve and avoid long rallies, which could wear her down physically.
In terms of a prediction, Sasnovich’s experience and attacking game give her a slight edge. Her ability to hit first-strike tennis will likely force Kartal into uncomfortable positions, and while Kartal will challenge her with strong returns and defensive play, the power differential could be too much to overcome over the course of three sets. Sasnovich is likely to win in straight sets or with a narrow victory in three sets, with a total games count of over 21.
Final Thoughts
The upcoming match between Sena Kartal and Aliaksandra Sasnovich promises to be a fascinating contest that will answer several important questions. Can Kartal neutralize Sasnovich’s power and dictate rallies with her consistent baseline play? Will Sasnovich’s attacking mindset prove too much for the Turkish player, or will Kartal's resilience and quickness give her the edge? With both players capable of explosive tennis, this clash is poised to be one of the highlights of the Abu Dhabi tournament.
As the players take to the hard courts, the question remains: Can Kartal defy the odds and outlast Sasnovich in a battle of wills, or will the Belarusian’s power and experience propel her into the next round?
