The second day of the WTA Abu Dhabi brought the main title candidates to the field and they did not disappoint.
American Sofia Kenin, Muguruza’s executioner in the final of the last edition of the Australian Open, made his debut and defeated the Chinese, coming from the preliminary phase, Yang Zhaoxuan, 7-6 (4) and 6-2.
Garbiñe Muguruza, 15th in the world, exhibited against the French Kristina Mladenovic with a 6-2, 6-4 victory and completed a three of three for Spain, becoming the third to save the opening match after Paula Badosa and Sara Sorribes (to Nadia Podoroska for a double 6-3).
Further, Coco Gauff showed remarkable potential and took out Ulrikke Eikeri 6-0 and 6-1; Karolina Pliskova beat Despina Papamichail with authority with sets of 6-2 and 7-6 (4); Elena Rybakina beat Lucrezia Stefanini 6-1, 6-3; and Elina Svitolina dropped Jessica Pegula 6-4, 6-3.
