Abu Dhabi Open: Bencic vs Haddad Maia Tennis Prediction & Pick

TennisSection previews the 2023 Abu Dhabi Open as Belinda Bencic takes on Beatriz Haddad Maia in the semifinal on Saturday, February 11, 2023.

This is quite possibly the best start to a season in her career by Belinda Bencic. She is one match away from reaching a second final in 2023. Can she trump the power-hitting Beatriz Haddad Maia in their intriguing semifinal clash at the Abu Dhabi Open?

Belinda Bencic has survived the onslaught as some of the biggest seeds and names at the Abu Dhabi Open have come crashing down. Among the high-profile exits is that of Australian Open finalist Elena Rybakina who was knocked out by Beatriz Haddad Maia. Bencic will be wary of the task at hand and the kind of power the Brazilian brings to the table. But the Swiss is in fine form herself that this match will likely be on her racket.

Beatriz Haddad Maia, for her part, stunned third seed Elena Rybakina. She rallied from a set down to win 3-6 6-3 6-2, surviving 19 aces from her opponent and picking up the victory in just over two hours. It follows up her marathon second-round win over Yulia Putintsevva which came just 24 hours earlier and which lasted over three hours – the second-longest WTA match of 2023 so far. Can the Brazilian pull off another shock against Belinda Bencic and advance into her first final of the season?

Belinda Bencic and Beatriz Haddad Maia are tied at 1-1 in their head-to-head. Both matches were contested in 2022, with Bencic winning in Sydney and Haddad Maia exacting revenge in Toronto. The Brazilian’s form at the Abu Dhabi Open evokes memories of that scintillating run at the Canadian Open last year when she beat some of the finest women on Tour before losing the final to Simona Halep. But I’d like to strongly assume Bencic is better prepared to deal with the Brazilian’s power this time. She has been clutch in saving break points throughout the week and has been feeding on the return efficiently. Haddad Maia has had some jittery moments, not least that chaotic three-setter against Putintseva that she very nearly made a melee of. And I expect the Swiss to go for blood here.