Where to Watch Liudmila Samsonova vs Janice Tjen at Abu Dhabi Open 2026: Sky Sports Tennis, Tennis Channel & World Feed with Candy Reid-Harrop

UK tennis fans can catch the exciting round of 16 clash between Liudmila Samsonova and Janice Tjen at the WTA Abu Dhabi Open 2026 live on Sky Sports Tennis, starting at 09:00 UK time on Tuesday, February 3. This WTA 500 event, held at the prestigious Abu Dhabi Zayed Sports City International Tennis Centre, promises high-stakes action, with Sky Sports providing comprehensive coverage using the world feed commentary led by experienced voice Candy Reid-Harrop. Across the pond, American viewers have access via Tennis Channel, also utilising the world feed for this early morning ET showdown, while WTA TV streams it globally on the same feed. These channels ensure fans from Britain, the US, and Australia don't miss a rally in this first-time head-to-head matchup[1][7].

The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, is a cornerstone of the WTA calendar, attracting top talent to its hard courts under the UAE sun. Sky Sports Tennis, a staple for British audiences, holds exclusive rights to broadcast this tournament, delivering crystal-clear HD streams and expert insights. For US fans, Tennis Channel remains the go-to destination, renowned for its wall-to-wall tennis coverage, including live matches, replays, and analysis. Australian viewers can often access these via streaming services or Foxtel, though Sky and Tennis Channel dominate the feeds here. The world feed, anchored by Candy Reid-Harrop, provides neutral, high-quality narration that's adopted by all these broadcasters, ensuring consistency for international audiences[7].

Candy Reid-Harrop, the main commentator on the world feed, brings decades of tennis broadcasting expertise to the mic. A veteran of the BBC and Eurosport, Reid-Harrop has covered Grand Slams, Olympics, and countless WTA events throughout her illustrious career. Her sharp analysis, warm delivery, and deep knowledge of the players' games make her a favourite among fans. Starting her commentary journey in the 1990s, she has narrated epics like the Wimbledon finals and Fed Cup ties, earning praise for her ability to blend technical breakdown with engaging storytelling. For this match, her voice will guide viewers through every serve and volley on Sky Sports Tennis, Tennis Channel, and WTA TV[7].

Turning to the players, Liudmila Samsonova, currently ranked world No. 18, enters as the favourite with a predicted 61% win probability according to advanced models[1]. The 27-year-old Russian, standing at 182cm and weighing 67kg, boasts a powerful all-court game honed on hard courts. Her 2026 season has been mixed at 3-3, with losses to top players like Laura Siegemund, Marketa Vondrousova, and Jessica Pegula, but she remains a threat with her booming serve—often clocking 150-160 km/h—and solid returning[2][5][10]. Samsonova's career highlights include WTA titles and deep runs in majors, showcasing her resilience and winner-hitting prowess under pressure. This Abu Dhabi clash marks her chance to build momentum early in the year.

Her opponent, Janice Tjen, ranked No. 47 and a rising 23-year-old Indonesian star, advanced by defeating Maya Joint 7-6(6), 3-6, 6-3 in the first round. Tjen's aggressive style shone through with 40 winners and 8 aces, despite winning fewer total points, highlighting her clutch play on big points[3]. At 2-3 in 2026, all on hard courts, she upset a higher-ranked opponent at the Australian Open qualifier but fell to world No. 416 there. Tjen's solid serve (65% first-serve points won) and second-serve hold (50%) make her competitive, and this is her Abu Dhabi debut. Fresh off a strong 2025, including a Chennai title, she's aiming to upset Samsonova in their first-ever meeting (0-0 head-to-head)[2][3][8].

The match is slated for Stadium Court at 1:00 pm local time (09:00 UK, 04:00 ET), fitting into the morning session of round of 16 action where top seeds have advanced[1][2][3]. Predictions favour Samsonova's experience, but Tjen's form could spark an upset. UK viewers on Sky Sports Tennis can stream via Sky Go or NOW TV, with coverage from 08:55am[7]. In the US, Tennis Channel offers live TV and app streaming, perfect for early risers. WTA TV provides on-demand access worldwide, ideal for Australian fans facing time zone challenges (around 7:00 pm AEDT).

British tennis broadcasting wouldn't be the same without channels like Sky Sports, which has revolutionised coverage since acquiring WTA rights. Their team often layers local punditry over the world feed, featuring analysts with Grand Slam pedigree. Tennis Channel in the US, launched in 2003, holds extensive rights and employs former pros for colour commentary, enhancing viewer immersion. The world feed's reliability, spearheaded by talents like Reid-Harrop, underpins these services, delivering unbiased calls that resonate globally.

For context on the tournament, the WTA Abu Dhabi Open official page details the full schedule and draws. Liudmila Samsonova's WTA profile reveals her journey from junior prodigy to top-20 mainstay, with wins over elite players. Meanwhile, Janice Tjen's rise is documented on her player page, noting her 2025 breakthroughs[3][10]. Sky Sports' tennis rights ensure British fans get prime slots, often with pre- and post-match shows.

Samsonova's game revolves around power: her forehand and backhand volleys absorb pressure, and she's simulated to edge Tjen in 10,000 model runs[1][5]. Tjen counters with aggression, blasting winners and holding serve stoutly, as seen against Joint where she overcame a points deficit[3]. Expect baseline rallies and serve battles on Abu Dhabi's medium-fast hard courts, similar to both players' preferred surfaces.

Why tune in? This matchup pits experience against youthful fire in a WTA 500 knockout stage. Sky Sports Tennis subscribers in the UK get seamless access, while Tennis Channel's US feed caters to dedicated fans. WTA TV rounds it out for streaming enthusiasts. With Reid-Harrop calling the action, viewers gain insights into tactics—like Samsonova's return game versus Tjen's aces.

The Abu Dhabi Open's prestige stems from its UAE backing and star draw, part of the WTA's Middle East swing post-Australian Open. Past champions include elite names, elevating this round of 16. For betting insights, models back Samsonova, but Tjen's underdog spirit adds intrigue[1][2].

In Britain, Sky Sports Tennis often pairs the world feed with pundits like Annabel Croft or Tim Henman for studio analysis, though specifics for this match follow the feed. Tennis Channel might add Brett Haber or Steve Weissman, blending US flair. Reid-Harrop's career arc—from radio to TV, covering legends like Federer and Serena—lends gravitas.

Player backgrounds enrich the narrative: Samsonova, born in Russia, turned pro amid geopolitical shifts, thriving on tour with a stoic demeanour. Tjen, Indonesia's hope, draws from a nation hungry for tennis success, her 2025 title signalling arrival. Their stats—Samsonova's 69% first-serve points vs Tjen's 65%—promise a serve-dominated affair[3].

As the clock ticks to 09:00 UK time, grab your streaming device. Whether on Sky Sports Tennis, Tennis Channel, or WTA TV, Candy Reid-Harrop's world feed unites audiences. This could be a quarterfinal qualifier defining both players' weeks. For more, explore the Sky Sports Tennis hub.

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