In second round action at the Wuhan Open, another Chinese leaves as Sloane Stephens exited Wang Yafan. With an improved serve added to her sharp return game, Stephens broke the Wang serve on seven of nine opportunities and turned in an impressive 77% first serve in play. Looks like the American’s form is returning, along with her confidence.
After an impressive win over Angelique Kerber, Monica Puig came out on the wrong end of a three set bout against American Alison Riske. A commanding first set from Puig gave way to strong play from Riske. Seems the first serve failed the Puerto Rican when she needed it most.
Elina Svitolina’s knee appears to be a thing of the past. The #3 seed showed no sign of a lingering injury, eliminating Garbine Muguruza 7-5, 6-2. Returning serve exceptionally well created five breaks for the Ukrainian. Despite an errant serve, Svitolina relied on her counterpunching to move on to the Round of 16.
Day 4 at the Wuhan Open sees Karolina Pliskova striving to close in on the Ash Barty World #1 ranking. Only 121 points separate Barty and Pliskova in the ranking. While both player has said that they don’t focus on raking, it certainly does for the rest of the tennis watching world. Also in action are #4 seed Simona Halep, defending Wuhan titleholder Aryna Sabalenka and Croatia’s in-form Petra Martic. We will cover all of the intriguing Round of 16 matches with predictions for who’s moving on to the quarterfinals. We also have predictions for the Day 4’s other four matches.
Wuhan Open Day 4 Predictions
Svetlana Kuznetsova vs Elina Svitolina
Svetlana Kuznetsova vs Elina Svitolina
Head to head: Kuznetsova 1-2 Svitolina
It’s an exciting time to be Svetlana Kuznetsova. The resurgent Russian is making her mark after returning from injury. Against Hseih Su-wei, nearly every tricky drop shot or craft angled slice was run down by Kuznetsova. Taking the first set 6-2, Hsieh made inroads in the second set, only to see her lead give way to Kuznetsova’s power and position. The World #69 continues to improve since returning to tour level action in April 2019. Elina Svitolina should approach this match with caution.
Svitolina is without a title in 2019. Since 2012, the Ukrainian has lifted at least one title each year. But, the positive side of that is Svitolina’s Grand Slam results, reaching the semifinals Wimbledon and the US Open. A win in Wuhan is important to the #3 seed who’s in ninth place in the Porsche Race to Shenzhen. There’s some work to do if Svitolina hopes to defend her 2018 title. Svitolina garnering a solid opening match win over former World #1 Garbine Muguruza, 7-5, 6-2. It was not a straightforward start for the Ukrainian who had to battle back from a 2-4 deficit in the first set. Svitolina was able to clean up her game and grab the momentum to earn a place in the Round of 16.
Kuznetsova’s power and all-court game will present a different challenge for Svitolina. But, the Ukrainian’s speed, stellar defense and consistency should be enough to see her into the quarterfinals.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
Wang Qiang vs Alison Riske
Head to head: Qiang 0-2 Riske
The only remaining player representing China, Wang Qiang will square off against American Alison Riske. Certainly, Riske had some great results of late. But the relative inconsistency should send some alarm bells. Riske turned in a gritty performance against Monica Puig, fighting back from a set down. Solid play in the biggest moments gave Riske this second round win. Can the American carry over that momentum against the talented Wang Qiang playing on home soil?
Wang is on the losing end of this head to head. In fact, both losses came in Shenzhen. Bolstered by the home crowd may not prove a boost for Wang. But, losses in 2017 and 2018 may not repeat in 2019. Wang is the #8 seed at this tournament for a reason and should be able to make an inroad into this head to head in Wuhan. While Wang lacks the power to blow out big hitters, her backhand down the line and clever use of the court are the perfect antidote. Wang’s court craft and endurance make her the stronger player. The Chinese superstar is poised for a Wuhan win against Riske.
Prediction: Wang in 3
Petra Martic vs Veronika Kudermetova
Head to head: First meeting
I’d feel better about Petra Martic’s chances had she not struggled through her second round opponent, Rebecca Peterson. After a brilliant start, bouncing France’s Kristina Mladenovic for the loss of just four games, it was a startling turn of events. The Swedish Lucky Loser broke the Martic serve in the second set – all that was needed to level the match. Yet, Martic won 82% of her first service points and lost the second set after a momentary lapse. It’s the exact lapses which will cost the Croat if she’s not able to contain them.
Veronika Kudermetova is on the hunt for her first quarterfinal spot above the International level. Having collected her first Top 10 scalp, the 22-year-old Russian will be confident she can earn her third win over a Top 20 player. It will be interesting to see if fatigue sets in for the Russian who’s required a third set decider in three out of four matches. Add to that her doubles campaign alongside China’s Duan Yingying and the fatigue factor may take its toll.
While Martic struggled against Peterson, the Croat is a strong player who doesn’t easily yield. She has the craft, variety and experience to bounce the young Russian. And, after a big win over Belinda Bencic a letdown should not be unexpected.
Prediction: Martic in 2
Aryna Sabalenka vs Kiki Bertens
Head to head: Sabalenka 0-4 Bertens
The defending champion has dropped a mere four games through her first two rounds. It’s a remarkably strong performance from Aryna Sabalenka whose game can go off the rails without warning. The go for broke, all or nothing style creates some huge wins. Yet, on a bad day, it allows early round exits for the Belarussian. Right now, the #9 seed is enjoying the feast and staving off the famine. But, entering the Round of 16 against a formidable foe will challenge the current titleholder.
Kiki Bertens worked her way through her opening round three set battle. American Bernarda Pera brilliantly grabbed the first set from the Dutchwoman. With Pera serving 72% and converting 75% of break point opportunities, Bertens looked to the big moments to see her through. The #6 seed can reply to power with stellar defense. A strategy which will frustrate Sabalenka and force her to go for too much, too soon.
So, here’s the question: which Aryna Sabalenka shows up for this match? It’s always hard to know if Sabalenka will spray winner or rack up the unforced errors. A consistent Bertens may well end Sabalenka’s run.
Prediction: Bertens in 3
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Disagree with our Wuhan Open Day 4 Predictions? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments.
