Samsonova Dominates Tjen At Abu Dhabi Open 2026

Liudmila Samsonova has stormed into the spotlight at the WTA Abu Dhabi Open 2026, delivering a performance that can only be described as ruthless and clinical. On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, the world No. 18 from Russia dispatched Indonesia’s Janice Tjen 6-2, 6-2 in just one hour and 11 minutes, securing her place in the quarterfinals. The match, which began promptly at 4:00 AM ET, was billed as a showdown between a surging power hitter and a rising talent, but it was Samsonova’s aggressive baseline game that dominated from start to finish.

Samsonova’s victory over Tjen is not just another win; it’s a statement. After a rocky January where she suffered early exits at the hands of Laura Siegemund and Marketa Vondrousova, questions swirled around her consistency and mental fortitude. Those doubts, at least for now, have been put to rest. With this latest triumph, Samsonova has dropped a mere eight games across her first two matches in Abu Dhabi—her opener saw her blitz past Sofia Kenin 6-4, 6-0. That’s the kind of efficiency and focus that signals a player finding her groove at just the right time.

For Janice Tjen, currently ranked world No. 47, the challenge was always going to be steep. Tjen arrived in Abu Dhabi off the back of a gritty three-set win over Maya Joint, a match that showcased her resilience and tactical adaptability. However, facing Samsonova’s relentless power and pinpoint accuracy proved a different beast altogether. Tjen struggled to counter the Russian’s pace, often left scrambling on the baseline as Samsonova dictated play with heavy groundstrokes and a rock-solid serve.

It’s a tough pill to swallow for Tjen, who had ended 2025 on a high note with consecutive finals and semi-finals on hard courts. But 2026 has presented new hurdles. Wins have been harder to come by, and this latest defeat underscores the gap between the tour’s elite and those still climbing the ranks. Yet, there’s no doubt that Tjen’s fighting spirit and recent form suggest she’ll be back, ready to learn from these high-level encounters.

What makes Samsonova’s resurgence particularly compelling is the context. Earlier in the season, her game looked out of sorts—confidence shaken, timing off, and results slipping. But in Abu Dhabi, she’s rediscovered the aggressive baseline game that once powered her to a quarter-final run against Jessica Pegula. The transformation hasn’t gone unnoticed. According to Dimers’ advanced tennis model, Samsonova entered the match as a 61% favorite to win, with a 59% chance of taking the first set. Those numbers proved prophetic, as she raced through the opening set and never looked back.

The predictive model also offered insights for the betting crowd, suggesting a 53% probability that Samsonova would cover a -2.5 games spread and a 54% chance the match would exceed 21.5 total games. Oddsmakers had Samsonova favored on the moneyline at -174, while Tjen was a +150 underdog. For those watching the odds and the action, it was clear from the outset which way the wind was blowing.

Samsonova’s serve, long considered one of her biggest weapons, was firing on all cylinders. She not only racked up free points but also used her serve to set up aggressive first-strike tennis. Tjen, for her part, tried to mix things up, using slices and angles to disrupt Samsonova’s rhythm. But the Russian’s ability to step inside the baseline and dictate rallies proved too much. The scoreboard told the tale: 6-2, 6-2, with Samsonova in command throughout.

Reflecting on her performance, Samsonova’s body language exuded confidence—a stark contrast to the uncertainty that plagued her earlier in the year. While she didn’t offer a post-match quote in the immediate aftermath, her actions spoke volumes. The win not only propels her into the quarterfinals but also sends a message to the rest of the field: Samsonova is back, and she’s playing with purpose.

Tjen, meanwhile, will look to regroup. Despite the loss, her journey through the Abu Dhabi draw has been a learning experience. Her opening-round victory over Maya Joint was a reminder of her potential, and though she fell short against Samsonova, she remains one of the most promising players from Indonesia. The challenge now is to use matches like this as fuel for further improvement.

The broader context of the Abu Dhabi Open adds another layer of intrigue. The tournament, a staple on the WTA calendar, has seen its fair share of upsets and breakout performances over the years. For Samsonova, this event could well be the springboard she needs to reassert herself as a consistent threat on tour. Her aggressive style, when clicking, is a nightmare for opponents, and if she can maintain this level, deeper runs in major tournaments could be on the horizon.

As for the betting community, the match played out much as the models predicted. The over/under for total games was set at 21.5, and while the match fell short of that mark, the dominant nature of Samsonova’s win was in line with the data-driven forecasts. It’s another example of how analytics and machine learning are increasingly shaping the way fans and experts approach the sport.

Looking ahead, all eyes will be on Samsonova as she prepares for her quarterfinal clash. Can she sustain this blistering form against tougher opposition? Will her aggressive game hold up under pressure? These are the questions that make tournament tennis so compelling. For Tjen, the focus shifts to the next event, where she’ll aim to build on both the positives and the hard lessons learned in Abu Dhabi.

In the end, the Round of 16 encounter between Liudmila Samsonova and Janice Tjen was a showcase of power, precision, and the ever-present drama of tournament tennis. Samsonova’s emphatic win has set the stage for an exciting quarterfinal run, while Tjen’s journey continues, marked by determination and the promise of future success. With the action in Abu Dhabi heating up, fans can expect more fireworks as the tournament rolls on.