It has all come down to the last match at the WTA Abu Dhabi and only the best names in the tournament remain. Belinda Bencic, who made her return to professional tennis after maternity leave has been in red-hot form and is in no mood to stop. The former world number 4, who is highly experienced, is looking to grab her first title since her comeback. However, standing in her way will be the 20-year-old American powerhouse, Ashlyn Krueger. With so much at stake for both stars, who will come out on top?

Belinda Bencic vs Ashlyn Krueger: Preview

After a few thrilling matches, Ashlyn Krueger and Belinda Bencic have battled their way to the final. Krueger, ranked No. 51, showed incredible resilience throughout the tournament. She took down McCartney Kessler in a tough three-set match, fought past Daria Kasatkina after dropping the first set, and outlasted Leylah Fernandez in the quarters, before getting the better of Linda Noskova to make it to the summit clash.

Against Noskova, Krueger’s powerful game shined, as she fired 43 winners, hit 6 aces, and won 73% of points on her first serve. Though she lost her serve twice, she stayed steady and converted 3 of 7 break points to seal the win.

On the other hand, Bencic, ranked no. 157, also had a thrilling path to the final. She cruised past Rebecca Sramkova, stunned Veronika Kudermetova with a flawless 6-0 6-0 win, and beat Marketa Vondrousova in straight sets again, before taking down the mighty Elena Rybakina in the semis.

Against Rybakina, Bencic lost the first set but fought back, winning 75% of points on her first serve and breaking the Kazakh four times. She stayed composed under pressure, saving 3 break points, and sealing her spot in the final.

Bencic vs Krueger: Head-to-head

When it comes to the head-to-head statistics between Bencic and Krueger, the scores are leveled at 0-0 each. Their encounter at the WTA Abu Dhabi will be the first time when the two stars face off, and what an occasion to lock horns, with so much at stake.

Prediction: Belinda Bencic could come out on top in a thrilling win over Ashlyn Krueger

Ashlyn Krueger and Belinda Bencic, both have been in great form in Abu Dhabi. Krueger had to fight hard in a couple of matches, which went the distance, but she finally won her first straight-set match in the semis. Bencic, on the other hand, hasn’t had to fight too many long battles, apart from the one against the top-10 player Elena Rybakina.

Krueger has been a revelation in this tournament, showing powerful serving, fearless shot-making, and great determination. However, because she has spent a lot of time on the court, playing several tough three-setters, it might have left her tired and that could be a factor against Bencic.

Bencic, in contrast, brings a lot of experience to this final. She has played and won on big stages before, which could help her stay calm under pressure. Krueger’s aggressive style, however, will make this a competitive match, especially in the early stages.

Bencic’s ability to stay solid and make smart shot choices may give her the advantage as the match goes on. If Krueger keeps up her energy and plays with confidence, she has a chance to pull off an upset. But with Bencic’s experience, fitness, and tactical awareness, she is the favorite to win the match.