The first two days of the WTA Beijing Open have seen some big names exit in the first round. Examples are Marketa Vondrousova, this year’s Australian Open semifinalist Victoria Azarenka and 2021 French Open winner Barbora Krejcikova. There are several top players in action on the third day. This includes Iga Swiatek and Caroline Garcia, whose matches are among four predicted in this article. We at LWOT also have two separate articles with predictions for the other eight WTA matches on a hectic third day in Beijing.
WTA Beijing Day 3 Predictions
Lesia Tsurenko vs Lin Zhu
Head-to-head: Tsurenko 2-1 Zhu
Both these players are having great seasons. 34-year-old Tsurenko has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence this year, moving from outside the Top 100 to her current place inside the Top 50. But Zhu is having her own career-best season. She also reached the final at the Japan Women’s Open in her last tournament. Tsurenko usually plays with a lot of spin and variety. I feel that style is less suited to the conditions in Beijing, as Marketa Vondrousova showed in her first-round exit. Zhu to win at the WTA Beijing Open.
Prediction: Zhu in 2
Anhelina Kalnina vs Daria Saville
Head-to-head: First meeting
Kalnina upset Vondrousova in the first round. It was not a massive upset, since the conditions are suited to Kalnina’s style, and less suited to Vondrousova’s game. Saville had to battle from a set down against Anna-Lena Friedsam in her opening round. She was not at her best, but showed some of the fighting spirit routinely seen when she was in her prime. Saville’s level can be difficult to play against when near her best. But I feel Kalnina is looking more comfortable on court at the moment, and will prevail at the WTA Beijing Open.
Prediction: Kalnina in 3
Jennifer Brady vs Magda Linette
Head-to-head: Brady 4-1 Linette
Both women looked very impressive in their first rounds. Brady easily defeated Peyton Stearns, while Linette upset Azarenka, despite losing the first set. Brady has a good record against Linette. This may be because a large part of the Pole’s game is based on her athleticism and making her opponent play a lot of balls. But Brady is very adept at the controlled aggression needed to beat that style. Nonetheless, I am going to back Linette this time. She is looking so comfortable in Asia, having also reached the final in Guangzhou. This is Brady’s first tournament since the US Open, and Linette’s consistent style may expose a slight lack of sharpness in long matches.
Prediction: Linette in 3
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Caroline Garcia vs Kateryna Baindl
Head-to-head: First meeting
There have finally been some signs of hope for Caroline Garcia. She reached the semifinal in Guadalajara and the quarterfinal in Tokyo, losing to a resurgent Maria Sakkari on both occasions. There are still inconsistencies in her game throughout matches, but her performances are certainly better. I expect her to get another win here. Baindl is a tough competitor. But Garcia seems to have returned to a good enough level to avoid early round exits. Her power should overwhelm the Ukrainian at the WTA Beijing Open.
Prediction: Garcia in 2
Iga Swiatek vs Sara Sorribes Tormo
Head-to-head: Swiatek 1-0 Sorribes Tormo
The form and recent comments of French Open champion Swiatek have been slightly concerning. She is openly admitted that it is difficult to stay motivated in such a long season. There is a worry that her season could peter out somewhat. However, this is still a contest she is very likely to win. The gritty style of Sorribes Tormo is the style that Swiatek likes to play against the most. She has been slightly erratic lately, but it is still pace that the Pole struggles with the most, not the Spaniard’s kind of game. Expect even a below-par Swiatek to progress at the WTA Beijing Open.
Prediction: Swiatek in 3
Main Photo Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran – USA TODAY Sports
