There’s over 18 years of age difference separating Clara Tauson and Vera Zvonareva. The Dane is still among the hottest prospects on the WTA Tour (even if massively slowed down by injuries), while the former World No. 2 is showing that class is permanent. Who do you think will make the quarterfinals at WTA Ningbo?
WTA Ningbo Day 3 Predictions
Nadia Podoroska vs Valeria Savinykh
Head-to-head: Savinykh 1-0
Nadia Podoroska is at her best on clay, but she can be a competent hard-court player as well. In the opening round, she managed to avenge her defeat to the eventual champion at Guangzhou, Xiyu Wang. Valeriya Savinykh beat her in their only meeting thus far, but the Argentinian was just 17 years old back then. Fast forward to 2023 and she probably has more quality than the Russian veteran, although Savinykh’s run from the qualifying has been pretty impressive.
Prediction: Podoroska in 3
Linda Fruhvirtova vs Anna Blinkova
Head-to-head: First meeting
Linda Fruhvirtova broke a nine-match losing streak by defeating Rebeka Masarova in the opening round, although that was via retirement. Still, winning for the first time in three months must be a bit of a relief. The young Czech won a WTA Tour title around this time last year but in the long run, just wasn’t ready to become a regular force on the main circuit yet. Anna Blinkova should have the ability to expose that.
Prediction: Blinkova in 2
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Sorana Cirstea vs Katerina Siniakova
Head-to-head: Cirstea 4-0
Sorana Cirstea has managed some fantastic runs on hard courts this year, making the quarterfinals at the US Open and impressing with two deep runs during the Sunshine Double. It’s a bit like a second prime at 33 years old. Is it a guarantee that she’s going to beat Katerina Siniakova? Definitely not and the lop-sided head-to-head is a bit of a surprise. But along with this season’s form it also makes it impossible not to call her the favorite of this clash.
Prediction: Cirstea in 3
Clara Tauson vs Vera Zvonareva
Head-to-head: First meeting
It’s really all about the health with Clara Tauson. When 100% fit, the amount of easy power she has be very overwhelming. While the Dane retired in Guangzhou last week, she’s already had a solid performance against Elina Avanesyan here. Vera Zvonareva was once ranked as high as World No. 2, but she’s 39 years old now and long past her best. If Tauson can stay fine physically, the veteran will have a very hard time in this one.
Prediction: Tauson in 2
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin – Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
