Karolina Pliskova defeated Kristina Mladenovic 6–1, 6–2 in the second round of the Dubai WTA Masters on hard court, confirming her status as the pre-match favourite with odds of 1.43 to Mladenovic's 3.07. The Czech player's dominant performance saw her control the match from the outset, breaking serve consistently and allowing the French opponent minimal opportunity to establish rhythm. Pliskova's clinical execution in both sets demonstrated the form that has kept her among the world's elite, whilst Mladenovic struggled to find answers to the Czech's serve and court positioning. The decisive victory advances Pliskova deeper into the tournament and reinforces her credentials as a contender for the title.