After an intrigue filled first day at the China Open in Beijing, there should be no shortage of exciting action on day two with a number of star names, including two-time Major champion Naomi Osaka and third seed Elina Svitolina set to take to the court. But who will advance to the second round?
China Open Day Two Predictions
Naomi Osaka vs Jessica Pegula
Head-to-head: first meeting
After an excellent start to the season at the Australian Open, Osaka has struggled to back up her successes. But after a disappointing end to her title-defence at the US Open in the fourth round, Osaka found some form at the Japan Women’s Open in her hometown of Osaka, winning the title by dismantling Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the final in straight-sets. Jessica Pegula, meanwhile, has had some fine results this season, not least winning the Washington Open, but she is not in Osaka’s class and has won just one match since that triumph in the US capital. Expect this one to be routine for the Japanese world #4.
Prediction: Osaka in 2
Embed from Getty Images
Barbora Strycova vs Venus Williams
Head-to-head: Williams 4-0 Strycova
Barbora Strycova and Venus Williams may both be in the latter stages of their careers, but both remain excellent players, well-capable of mixing it with the best in the sport on their day. That said, Strycova has been struggling in recent months and was well-beaten on her last outing in the second round in Wuhan by Simona Halep. Williams too fell early at the Wuhan Open, losing 6-7 6-7 to her compatriot Danielle Collins in the first round. With neither woman in particularly good form, this should be a close contest. But Williams has had the better of this rivalry by some distance. Expect her to come out on top once again.
Prediction: Williams in 3
Embed from Getty Images
Elina Svitolina vs Anastasija Sevastova
Head-to-head: Svitolina 1-1 Sevastova
In what looks to be an extremely tough first-round draw, third seed Svitolina will face Anastasija Sevastova. The Latvian’s ranking tumbled recently after her third-round loss at the US Open, where she was defending semifinal points, but she remains a more than capable player. Svitolina, meanwhile, will be targeting a deep run at the China Open. She has played some good tennis so far during the Asian swing, but has been inconsistent and took a hammering in the quarterfinals in Wuhan at the hands of Alison Riske. That said, unlike Sevastova, she should feel confident after impressive runs at Wimbledon and the US Open. Expect that to give her a decisive edge.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
Embed from Getty Images
Simona Halep vs Rebecca Peterson
Head-to-head: Halep 1-0 Peterson
Rebecca Peterson made a storming start to her Asian swing, winning the Jiangxi Open title in impressive fashion. And after coming through the qualifying to reach the China Open main draw, she may feel confident about her chances of upsetting Wimbledon champion Simona Halep. The Romanian has been struggling with a back injury of late and was forced to retire trailing 4-5 in the third round in Wuhan against Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan. Short of matches and fitness, Halep will surely be vulnerable and Peterson should have the confidence to take full advantage.
Prediction: Peterson in 3
Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
