There is a packed schedule for day 2 of the WTA event in Jiangxi, with ten matches set to be played. As always, we here at LWOT are offering predictions for all of the day’s matches in Jiangxi including Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Nao Hibino and Xinyu Wang vs Laura Siegemund. But who will reach advance?
WTA Jiangxi Day 2 Predictions
Anna Blinkova vs You Xiaodi
Head-to-head: You 1-0 Blinkova
Last week’s run to the semifinal in Hong Kong was very welcome for Anna Blinkova. She put a halt to her recent struggles on hardcourts and was only stopped by an inspired Leylah Fernandez. Blinkova starts as a considerable favourite against You Xiaodi. However, there is one interesting dynamic to this matchup.
You has just one win in Grand Slam qualifying throughout her career but that came against Blinkova at the 2022 Australian Open. Could that play a role in Jiangxi? It seems unlikely. Blinkova is a much improved player now and 2023 has been a career-best season for her. She should have too much for an opponent currently ranked outside the top 200.
Prediction: Blinkova in 2
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Katerina Siniakova vs Wang Yuhan
Head-to-head: first meeting
Katerina Siniakova reached her second final of the season last week, losing an epic final in Hong Kong to Leylah Fernandez. The Czech took two medical timeouts in that match and looked to be struggling physically towards the end of the contest. Hopefully, she is ready to play another match just two days later.
Nonetheless, this seems like the ideal draw for Siniakova if fatigue is an issue. Wang Yuhan is just 16-years-old and is set to make her first ever appearance at a WTA main draw event. The teenager is undoubtedly a talented junior with a lot of time to reach her potential in the sport. But it would be one of the upsets of the season if she overcame the seven-time Grand Slam doubles champion.
Prediction: Siniakova in 2
Leylah Fernandez vs Guo Hanyu
Head-to-head: first meeting
Fernandez’s title triumph in Hong Kong felt like an important moment in her career. The 21-year-old executed an aggressive playing style to a level never previously seen by the Canadian. Her infamous run to the final of the US Open two years ago was mostly based on her counterpunching skills, but Fernandez showed how much her game has evolved despite some difficult moments since that Grand Slam final appearance. This matchup is very similar to Siniakova vs Wang. Fernandez also plays a Chinese wildcard that she is expected to beat. The home favourite is currently ranked #435. Fatigue may slow Fernandez down slightly but it very unlikely to prevent her from progressing in Jiangxi.
Prediction: Fernandez in 2
Main photo credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports
