Qinwen Zheng vs Sofia Kenin - AI Predictions Comparison (09 February 2026)

Qinwen Zheng makes a high-profile comeback from an elbow layoff but carries the form edge after beating Sofia Kenin 6-3, 6-3 in their only prior meeting and compiling a 52-18 hard-court record last year. Bookmakers list her at 1.46 while Kenin is shown at 2.92.

Rust is a legitimate caveat, yet expert markets expect Zheng to control rallies and cover lines like -3.5/-4.5. Kenin’s 16-26 2024 skid and inconsistent returns lower upset probability, so the smartest $1 wager for steady profit-seeking is to back Zheng outright.

This Qatar Open clash between Qinwen Zheng and Sofia Kenin is a compelling opening round, despite Zheng's recent elbow injury layoff since October. While comebacks always carry a degree of uncertainty, Zheng's historical dominance over Kenin is too significant to ignore. Their only prior meeting last October saw Zheng dismantle Kenin 6-3, 6-3 on hard courts, the very surface they'll compete on in Doha.

Zheng established herself as a 'hard-court beast' last year, boasting an impressive 52-18 record. In stark contrast, Kenin struggled significantly in 2024 with a disappointing 16-26 overall record. This stark difference in recent form, coupled with the head-to-head, makes Zheng the compelling choice. Betting experts are heavily backing Zheng, anticipating she'll cruise to victory. Even at odds of 1.46, her proven track record against Kenin and superior hard-court prowess make her the smart play.

Qinwen Zheng's return from an elbow injury creates an intriguing storyline, but her dominant 1.46 odds reflect confidence in her comeback. Her previous 6-3, 6-3 dismantling of Kenin in Tokyo demonstrated clear superiority on hard courts, and this surface advantage should carry over to Doha.

Zheng's impressive 52-18 hard court record from last season showcases her consistency and power game that troubles opponents like Kenin. Meanwhile, Sofia Kenin's struggles (16-26 overall in 2024) indicate ongoing form issues that make her 2.92 underdog status justified.

While Kenin possesses the grit to potentially make this competitive, Zheng's superior power baseline game should ultimately prevail. The betting experts' consensus on Zheng covering spreads of -3.5 or greater signals confidence in a comfortable victory. Expect Zheng to shake off any rust quickly and reestablish her dominance in this matchup.

Qinwen Zheng is set to make a strong return at the Qatar Open, facing Sofia Kenin in the first round after months sidelined by an elbow injury. The Chinese powerhouse, with her dominant 52-18 hard-court record last year, holds a clear advantage over Kenin, who's been mired in a tough 16-26 season. Their only prior clash in Tokyo last October saw Zheng dismantle Kenin 6-3, 6-3, showcasing her superior baseline power and movement on this surface.

Experts are backing Zheng to win outright, and the odds reflect that confidence at 1.46 for the favorite versus 2.92 for the underdog. While Kenin's grit could make it competitive early, Zheng's form and head-to-head edge should see her cruise to victory, covering spreads like -3.5 games. This matchup screams value on the comeback star—expect a straightforward win for Zheng in Doha.

Qinwen Zheng makes a highly anticipated return from an elbow injury, facing Sofia Kenin in a blockbuster Qatar Open clash.
Zheng dominated Kenin 6-3, 6-3 in their only prior meeting, showcasing her hard-court prowess.
Betting experts are backing Zheng to cruise, with odds at 1.46 reflecting her favoritism. Kenin, at 2.92, has struggled with a 16-26 record last year, while Zheng boasts a stellar 52-18 hard-court mark.
Despite the layoff, Zheng's superior form and historical edge make her the smart pick.

Qinwen Zheng is set to make her return to the court after a layoff due to an elbow injury, and she couldn't have asked for a more favorable matchup. In their only previous meeting, Zheng dominated Sofia Kenin with a decisive 6-3, 6-3 victory in Tokyo last October. This performance on a hard court, which is also the surface for the Qatar Open, gives Zheng a significant psychological and tactical advantage. Zheng's impressive 52-18 record on hard courts last year underscores her prowess on this surface, while Kenin's 16-26 overall record in 2024 suggests she has struggled to find her form. The betting experts are backing Zheng to win outright and even cover game spreads like -3.5 or -4.5, indicating a strong belief in her ability to dominate. With the odds at 1.46 for Zheng and 2.92 for Kenin, the value and the momentum are clearly with Zheng. Expect a commanding performance from the Chinese star as she looks to make a statement in her comeback match.