How to Watch Hailey Baptiste vs Teodora Kostovic at Abu Dhabi Open 2026: Sky Sports+, World Feed with Mark Valledy & WTA TV Guide

UK tennis fans can catch the exciting Round of 32 clash between Hailey Baptiste and Teodora Kostovic at the Abu Dhabi Open WTA 500 live on Sky Sports+ streaming from 14:30 UK time on Sunday, February 1, 2026. This match utilises the high-quality world feed commentary led by veteran Mark Valledy, with reporter Tom Bushell providing on-site insights, ensuring viewers across Britain, America, and Australia enjoy seamless coverage on platforms like Sky Sports or WTA TV.[1][2][4]

Sky Sports+, part of the renowned Sky Sports suite, has long been the go-to for British audiences seeking comprehensive tennis action, including WTA events. Known for its crystal-clear streams and expert analysis, Sky Sports holds extensive rights for major tournaments, delivering every rally from the Zayed Sports City International Tennis Centre in Abu Dhabi. For American viewers, while ESPN and Tennis Channel often cover WTA 500 events, this specific match aligns with the world feed accessible via streaming services. Australian fans can tap into similar global feeds through local broadcasters or WTA platforms, making it a truly international spectacle.[2][4]

The Abu Dhabi Open WTA 500 kicks off the Middle Eastern swing with hard-court battles under the UAE sun, drawing top talents to the prestigious Zayed Sports City. This Round of 32 encounter pits world No. 70 Hailey Baptiste against No. 177 Teodora Kostovic, with Baptiste entering as the heavy favourite at -350 odds, implying a 77.8% win probability. Baptiste's aggressive baseline game and athleticism contrast Kostovic's tactical precision, promising intense rallies on the outdoor hard courts.[1][2]

Mark Valledy, the main commentator on the world feed, brings decades of expertise to the microphone. A staple in tennis broadcasting, Valledy has covered Grand Slams, ATP, and WTA events for outlets like Eurosport and the BBC throughout his illustrious career. His smooth delivery and deep knowledge of player histories make him a favourite among purists. Often praised for his impartial analysis, Valledy has narrated pivotal moments, from underdog triumphs to champion defences, amassing a reputation as one of the circuit's most reliable voices. Teaming with him is Tom Bushell, the reporter on the ground. Bushell, with his background in sports journalism from Sky Sports and ITV, excels in capturing the atmosphere, conducting post-match interviews, and delivering real-time updates. His career spans rugby, football, and tennis, where his enthusiasm shines through in high-stakes WTA matches.[1]

For those tuning into WTA TV, the coverage mirrors the world feed, offering global access without regional blackouts. WTA TV, the official streaming home for women's tennis, provides ad-free viewing, multi-angle replays, and stats overlays, perfect for fans in Britain dissecting Baptiste's powerful serves or Australians tracking Kostovic's upsets. Sky Sports+ subscribers in the UK get this integrated seamlessly via their app or set-top box, often with added punditry from former pros.[1]

Hailey Baptiste, the 24-year-old American, has climbed to No. 70 through sheer power and resilience. Her 2026 record stands at 2-3, with 3.4 aces per match and 14 break points won, showcasing her serve dominance. Baptiste's journey includes junior Grand Slam titles and breakthroughs on the ITF circuit, evolving into a baseline aggressor who thrives on hard courts like Abu Dhabi's. A win here could propel her towards a deep run, building on her rising trajectory.[2][5]

Opposite her, 18-year-old Teodora Kostovic from Croatia represents the next generation at No. 177. With a 1-1 record this year, 2.5 aces per match, and tactical smarts, Kostovic is a +260 underdog but capable of surprises. Her youth brings fresh energy, honed through European juniors and early WTA qualifiers. This matchup marks her biggest stage yet, where consistency could test Baptiste's firepower.[2][5]

Betting markets heavily favour Baptiste, but tennis's unpredictability – especially in early rounds – keeps it compelling. The venue, Zayed Sports City, hosts this WTA 500 with a rich history, including past champions like Belinda Bencic. Expect fast conditions suiting Baptiste's game, but Kostovic's precision might force errors.[2][4]

Viewers in Britain can log into Sky Sports+ via streaming apps, NOW TV, or Sky Go, with coverage starting promptly at 14:30 UK time (that's 13:30 UTC, aligning with the 1:30 AM AEDT start for Aussies). American audiences might access via WTA TV or ESPN+ if rights extend, though the world feed ensures universality. No H2H history exists between these two, adding intrigue – will Baptiste's experience prevail, or will Kostovic stun?[1][3][4]

Beyond the commentary duo, Sky Sports often layers in British pundits like Annabel Croft or Tim Henman for studio analysis, though this stream sticks to the world feed. Valledy's career highlights include calling Novak Djokovic's epic wins and WTA milestones, lending gravitas. Bushell's reporting, meanwhile, has featured at Wimbledon and US Open, where his fan-friendly style bridges experts and casuals.[1]

The Abu Dhabi Open itself is a cornerstone of the WTA calendar, offering 500 points to the winner and attracting stars amid the desert heat. Past editions have seen dramatic finals and breakthroughs, with 2026 promising more under the tournament's Mubadala sponsorship. For teams and players, it's a key hard-court prep for majors like Indian Wells and Miami.[2][4]

To enhance your viewing, check live scores on platforms like Sofascore for real-time stats, H2H (none here), and power graphs. YouTube streams like SoundVibes offer highlights post-match.[1][3]

For more on the players, explore Hailey Baptiste's WTA profile. Dive into tournament details at the official Abu Dhabi Open site. UK viewers can confirm Sky rights via Sky Sports Tennis.

This match encapsulates WTA's global appeal: a favourite vs underdog on a storied court, narrated by pros like Valledy and Bushell. Whether streaming on Sky Sports+ in Britain, WTA TV worldwide, or catching snippets in America/Australia, don't miss the action. Baptiste's power meets Kostovic's grit – who advances?[1][2]

Additional context: Qualifying wrapped with names like Sonay Kartal and Renata Zarazua advancing, setting a competitive main draw. Liudmila Samsonova and Leylah Fernandez loom in later rounds, but first, this appetiser. Weather in Abu Dhabi should be balmy, around 25°C, ideal for baseline exchanges.[4]

Mark Valledy's broadcasting resume includes over 20 years at Eurosport, covering Fed Cup and Olympics, where his play-by-play earned accolades. Tom Bushell, transitioning from print to TV, cut his teeth at Sky's rugby coverage before tennis, adding multi-sport depth. Their synergy elevates the world feed, used by Sky Sports+ for efficiency and quality.[1]

In summary for global fans: Fire up Sky Sports+ (UK), WTA TV (everywhere), and settle in at 14:30 UK time. With Baptiste's 77.8% implied odds and superior stats, expect her to progress, but Kostovic's youth could spark an upset. Tune in for Valledy and Bushell's masterful call – tennis at its finest.[2]