The final of the WTA event in Palermo has been reached after an exciting week of tennis. It is an excellent opportunity for both players to win an overdue title. For Paolini it would be her first title since 2021, while it would be Zheng’s first ever title on the WTA Tour. Who do you think will win to become the champion in Palermo?
WTA Palermo Prediction
Jasmine Paolini vs Qinwen Zheng
Head-to-head: Paolini 1-0 Zheng
This is an exciting matchup and a difficult one to call. The one match these two women had four years ago will not have any effect as Zheng in particular is a completely different player now. Paolini winning her semifinal in straight sets was important for her chances here I think. She had played three very tough three-set matches before that one including the best match of the tournament against the #1 seed Daria Kasatkina in the quarterfinals. Home advantage and a supportive crowd in Italy should help her if she is feeling a little jaded though. Zheng has had two three-set matches, including one against the always fun to watch Diane Parry.
[cta id=4014 type=cta]
I am going to predict a narrow win for Zheng. The crowd and Paolini’s gritty defense will be a stiff obstacle. But some of her shotamaking throughout the week in Palermo has been absolutely exceptional. I think she will find that on just enough occasions to win her first WTA title. But strap yourselves in as I think it could be a long and grueling match.
Prediction: Zheng in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
