Liudmila Samsonova vs Sofia Kenin Preview & Prediction | 2026 Abu Dhabi Open | First Round

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Liudmila Samsonova meets Sofia Kenin in Abu Dhabi.

Ranking points: WTA 500

Start date/time:

Venue: Zayed Sports City International Tennis Centre, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Surface: Outdoor hard

How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports Tennis / USA – Tennis Channel

How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – Tennis Channel

Tickets: Visit this link for the latest Liudmila Samsonova vs Sofia Kenin ticket information

Liudmila Samsonova vs Sofia Kenin prediction

Liudmila Samonsova will try to kick-start her 2026 campaign in Abu Dhabi.

The Russian has lost three matches in a row on the back of reaching the last eight in Brisbane and meets an equally out-of-sorts Sofia Kenin here.

The American world number 30 won her opening match this year but has since disappointed with the former Australian Open champion easily beaten three and two by Peyton Stearns in Melbourne.  

Samsonova has shown a bit more fight in her losses and while the world number 18 trails 2-1 in the head-to-head with Kenin, their only clash in the last three years came in Wuhan back in October.

Samonsova won that encounter 3-6 6-3 6-1 and we anticipate a similar outcome this time around.   

Liudmila Samsonova vs Sofia Kenin tip: Liudmila Samsonova to win