Tennis never sleeps, and just a day after the Australian Open, main draw action is about to start at the WTA 250 event in Hua Hin. Lin Zhu had an unexpected deep run in Melbourne, but it won’t be easy for her to continue that form as she’s facing the talented youngster Xiyu Wang. Who do you think will make the second round?
WTA Hua Hin Day 1 Predictions
Ysaline Bonaventure vs Lesia Tsurenko
Head-to-head: First meeting
Both players have enjoyed a solid start to the season. Lesia Tsurenko made the semifinals of an ITF event in Canberra, before qualifying for the Australian Open. Ysaline Bonaventure kicked things off with a semifinal at the WTA 250 in Auckland. Contrary to what you’d think given she was playing lower-tier events, it can actually be argued that it’s the Ukrainian has faced more dangerous opponents. She’s much more solid than Bonaventure and should have a slight edge here.
Prediction: Tsurenko in 3
Xinyu Wang vs Joanne Zuger
Head-to-head: First meeting
Joanne Zuger made the final at an ITF event in Bhopal recently and managed to qualify here, but it has to be said that her path to the main draw was actually rather soft. Xinyu Wang has been playing against better opposition and holding up quite well, making the quarterfinals at the WTA 250 in Hobart, losing to eventual champion Lauren Davis. The Chinese youngster has the higher upside and shouldn’t waste a great chance for another tour-level run.
Prediction: Wang in 2
Katie Boulter vs Su-Jeong Jang
Head-to-head: First meeting
After winning a stacked ITF event in Canberra, Katie Boulter suffered a disappointing exit to Polina Kudermetova in the Australian Open qualifying. Perhaps fatigue played its part and the Brit should be more dangerous now that she’s well-rested. We’ve been waiting for the 26-year-old to make more main tour impact for the past few years, but it can’t seem to arrive. If she’s fully fit, a player with her potential should be taking this one against Su-Jeong Jang.
Prediction: Boulter in 2
Mirjam Bjorklund vs Lanlana Tararudee
Head-to-head: First meeting
The big question here is how will 18-year-old Lanlana Tararudee fare in her WTA Tour debut. She’s currently 8-1 for the season, losing only to the former World No. 25 Kateryna Volodko (and exacting revenge on her on the way to an ITF title in Nonthaburi). Miriam Bjorklund is a bit of a step up, but she’s also not someone that can overwhelm the Thai youngster. Let’s go with the experienced Swede, although Tararudee has a real shot at winning this one.
Prediction: Bjorklund in 3
Lin Zhu vs Xiyu Wang
Head-to-head: Zhu 2-1
Can Lin Zhu follow up on her brilliant Australian Open run? You’d think so, but it would certainly be unwise to underestimate the very talented up-and-comer Xiyu Wang. The Chinese youngster is yet to win a match this year, but has been really unlucky with her draws, having to face two Czech Karolinas–Muchova and Pliskova. She’s also been struggling with her health a bit, so all in all Zhu has a nice opportunity to keep her form going.
Prediction: Zhu in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
