Marketa Vondrousova vs Belinda Bencic: Preview
Marketa Vondrousova and Belinda Bencic are set to clash in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Abu Dhabi Open, promising a blockbuster showdown between two accomplished players. Vondrousova, the 2023 Wimbledon champion, has shown flashes of brilliance in recent tournaments, reaching the quarterfinals in Dubai, Strasbourg, and Stuttgart. However, she faced a setback at the 2024 French Open, where she was defeated by eventual champion Iga Swiatek. Vondrousova had to withdraw from the Paris Olympics and the US Open due to a hand injury but returned to the Tour at the 2025 Adelaide International.
In contrast, Bencic made a remarkable comeback to competitive tennis in October 2024, just six months after giving birth to her daughter. She reached the quarterfinals at the ITF event in Hamburg and the final of the WTA 125 Angers, FR. Although she fell short in the final, losing to Alycia Parks in a thrilling three-set match, Bencic has been steadily regaining her form. She participated in the Adelaide International and the Australian Open in 2025 but failed to make a deep run. However, she enters this match with confidence after impressive wins against Rebecca Sramkova and Veronika Kudermetova in the previous rounds, including a dominant 6-0, 6-0 victory over Kudermetova.
Vondrousova vs Bencic: Head-to-Head
Vondrousova and Bencic have faced each other three times in their careers, with Bencic currently leading the head-to-head scoreline 2-1. Their most recent encounter was in the final of the 2021 Olympics, where Bencic emerged victorious in a hard-fought match, winning 7-5, 2-6, 6-3. However, Vondrousova got the better of Bencic earlier that year in Miami, winning 4-6, 6-4, 6-4. Their first meeting took place in the 2021 Cincinnati Open, with Bencic prevailing 6-3, 7-5.
Prediction: Vondrousova to win in three sets
While Bencic’s recent performance against Kudermetova has turned heads in the tennis world, it may not be enough to surpass Vondrousova in this epic battle. A fully-fit Vondrousova has the potential to pose more challenges to her opponents, especially considering Bencic’s recent return to the Tour after a long gap. In terms of recent records, Vondrousova had a win-loss record of 16-12 in the last season, while Bencic had a win-loss record of 1-0 on the main Tour and 7-3 on the ITF Level in 2024.
In terms of playing style, Bencic possesses an all-court game and prefers an aggressive brand of tennis. She has a powerful first serve but struggles with her second serve, often committing a significant number of double faults. On the other hand, Vondrousova has a crafty style of play, employing a wide variety of shots, including her signature drop shot. She excels in her return game and is known for her left-handed topspin forehand.
Both players have enough weapons to overpower each other in this mega duel. However, considering Vondrousova’s performances in major tournaments last year, she may be better positioned to seal the deal in this match. Nevertheless, Bencic’s dominating performance in the previous round suggests that this match will likely require three sets to determine the winner.
In conclusion, the upcoming clash between Marketa Vondrousova and Belinda Bencic promises to be a thrilling encounter, showcasing the immense talent and skill of these two accomplished players. Tennis fans can expect a battle of wits and power on the court as they vie for a spot in the semifinals of the Abu Dhabi Open.
