Veronika Kudermetova in action at the 2023 Australian Open (Image Credit: #AusOpen - Twitter)
4th seed Veronika Kudermetova faces Belgian veteran Elise Mertens in the round of 16 of the 2023 Abu Dhabi Open on Wednesday.
Kudermetova began the new season with a dominant performance against Amanda Anisimova in the round of 32 of the Adelaide International 1. The match ended 6-3, 6-0 in favor of the Russian star. Kudermetova carried the good form into her match in the round of 16 against Bianca Andreescu. Kudermetova made light work of the Canadian player and won the match 6-4, 6-0. She lost to Irina-Camelia Begu in the quarterfinals. The Russian star reached the semifinals of the Adelaide International 2 with wins against Victoria Azarenka and Danielle Collins.
At the Australian Open, Kudermetova defeated Maryna Zanevska in the first round but lost to Katie Volynets in the following round. In the Abu Dhabi Open, Kudermetova received a first-round bye and will play her first match against Mertens.
The 27-year-old lost to Maria Sakkari but defeated Gergana Topalova in the United Cup. In Hobart, Mertens lost to Maryna Zanevska in the first round.
The three-time Grand Slam champion in doubles defeated Garbine Muguruza and Lauren Davis before going down to eventual champion Aryna Sabalenka in the third round of the Australian Open.
Elise Mertens has a comfortable 4-1 lead in the head-to-head scoreline against Veronika Kudermetova. The Russian youngster registered her first win against Mertens in their most recent meeting at the 2021 Italian Open.
Prediction: Veronika Kudermetova to win in three sets.
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