It’s been an exciting week at the WTA Hobart International. The field of 32 has been culled to the final two women in contention for the title. We’ve watched Spain’s Garbine Muguruza return to form, Aussie Lizette Cabrera surprised and impressed with her quarterfinal run and Briton Heather Watson raise her level to new heights.
It’s down to Zhang Shuai and Elena Rybakina. Who will lift the trophy?
Hobart International Final Prediction
Zhang Shuai vs Elena Rybakina
Head to head: First meeting
Zhang Shuai has been in form this week in Hobart. Not only has the Chinese reached the final of the singles draw, she will play in the doubles final alongside partner Peng Shuai. Not the exhausting schedule you’d expect, Zhang reached the doubles finals playing but a single match thanks to quarter ad semi-final walkovers.
Zhang opened her campaign with a three set battle against Kirsten Flipkens. After dropping the first set, the consistent Chinese fought back, winning 4-6 6-1 6-2. She was again pushed in the round of 16 by Kateryna Kozlova but survived another three set clash. Zhang confidently won 6-1, 6-4 against American Lauren Davis. She exited Veronika Kudermetova 6-3, 6-4 to earn her spot in the finals.
Zhang just does the basics so incredibly well. Her consistent, measured groundstrokes force her opponents to go for too much too soon. Controlled aggression allows Zhang to cleverly set up her points with minimal unforced errors.
However, Zhang will find Elena Rybakina will be a bigger challenge. The Kazakhstani enjoyed straight sets wins in her first two matches. Tested mightly against Aussie Lizette Cabrera, she battled through three tight sets 6-7, 7-6, 7-5. The Kazakh endured long rallies and crafty play from resurgent Heather Watson. She came through a lengthy bout 6-3, 4-6, 6-4.
A Disparity of Styles
Rybakina will look to punish Zhang’s second serves. The Kazakh excels at taking a weak offering and send it back with pace and placement. It’s a danger point for the Chinese. Yet, Zhang has been averaging 77% of her first serves in play. That will minimize Rybakina’s opportunities.
Zhang will look to keep balls in play, frustrating Rybakina and pushing the Kazakh to overhit. It’s perhaps what Zhang does best. Her clinical return game opens up break opportunities for Zhang. Indeed, the Chinese doesn’t waste these, converting on nearly 50% of her opportunities.
In a disparity of styles, this should be an exciting match – first-strike, hard-hitting from the Kazakh against consistent, clinical play from the Chinese. The consistency and mental fortitude should give Zhang the edge in what will undoubtedly be a protracted battle.
Prediction: Zhang in 3
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