The top-seeded players had a positive third day at the WTA Beijing Open. French Open champion Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Ons Jabeur, and 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina all won their matches. New World #1 Aryna Sabalenka and Jabeur’s contests are among four predicted in this article. We at LWOT also have two separate articles predicting the other seven matchups on day 4- including Swiatek, Gauff, and Rybakina’s matches.
WTA Beijing Day 4 Predictions
Veronika Kudermetova vs Lesia Tsurenko
Head-to-head: First meeting
This is Kudermetova’s first match since her stunning run to the title in Tokyo, defeating Jessica Pegula in the final. Her opening round against Tsurenko comes only slightly over 48 hours after her efforts in the Japanese capital. By contrast, Tsurenko benefited from an early retirement in her first round and hadn’t previously played since the US Open. The positive for Kudermetova is that she plays a very aggressive style that is suited to keeping points short. In addition, the courts at the WTA Beijing Open are fast. My instinct is that Kudermetova’s aggressive style will overwhelm her Ukrainian opponent in straight sets. But it may be mentally and physically difficult for her if it goes to a third set.
Prediction: Kudermetova in 2
Daria Kasatkina vs Xinyu Wang
Head-to-head: First meeting
Kasatkina was far below her best against Mayar Sherif in the first round. Yet she somehow found a way to narrowly battle through, as she so often does. I do think a slight upset is possible in this one though. The big-serving and flat-hitting Wang is suited to the fast conditions at the WTA Beijing Open. In most tournaments, I would back Kasatkina to soak up the pressure and wear Wang down. But with a home crowd and ideal conditions, I think the Chinese player has the edge here. Regardless, Kasatkina will certainly need to play much better than the previous round to have a chance.
Prediction: Wang in 3
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Ons Jabeur vs Marta Kostyuk
Head-to-head: Jabeur 1-0 Kostyuk
Kostyuk has proved this season how dangerous she can be for the top players. The Ukrainian has beaten Maria Sakkari and Caroline Garcia in 2023, and came very close to also toppling Daria Kasatkina last week in Tokyo. She never holds anything back, and Jabeur will have to be ready for that speed. The Tunisian has won six matches in a row. Admittedly, they came against players she was expected to beat, but it is still a confidence boost after a previously rough run of results after Wimbledon. At her best, Jabeur thrives against aggressive players by using her considerable variety. She is likely to do that enough here to get another win at the WTA Beijing Open.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
Aryna Sabalenka vs Katie Boulter
Head-to-head: Sabalenka 2-0 Boulter
There were questions as to how Sabalenka would perform in her first match back since her painful US Open final loss to Coco Gauff. She quickly banished those with a superb performance to defeat 2020 Australian Open winner Sofia Kenin. Boulter did play well against Magdalena Frech in her opening round. However, I struggle to see the Brit imposing herself against Sabalenka at the WTA Beijing Open. Boulter likes to play aggressively, but it is likely she will struggle to live with the pace coming from the racket of Sabalenka. The #1 to win relatively comfortably.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – USA TODAY Sports
