It has been a terrific week of tennis so far at the WTA Elite Trophy in Zhuhai. We now have a fascinating final to look forward too. Beatriz Haddad Maia is set to battle home favourite Qinwen Zheng for the title. As always, we at LWOT provide our prediction and analysis for the final. But which player do you think is most likely to win the title?
WTA Elite Trophy Final Prediction
Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Qinwen Zheng
Head-to-head: First meeting
Both players have reasons to feel confident heading into the final. Haddad Maia is yet to drop a set in the tournament. This is uncharacteristic of the Brazilian, who has gained a reputation for playing very long matches. Yet the quality of her tennis means made any long battles have not been necessary. Haddad Maia has been aggressive in Zhuhai, including bigger serving than normal and regular moves to the net. By contrast, Zheng’s route to this stage has been a a lot tougher. She’s fought through in three sets in each match she has played. Her tennis may not have been as consistently good as Haddad Maia throughout the tournament, but her composure and spirit to make this stage of the WTA Elite Trophy deserves admiration.
Although Haddad Maia has played aggressively this week, it is clear she will need to soak up a lot of pressure to win the final. Zheng is one of the biggest servers on the tour and the courts in Zhuhai are very fast. The home crowd will also make it harder for the Brazilian, who have clearly inspired Zheng throughout the tournament. It is undoubtedly a difficult challenge for the French Open semifinalist in the WTA Elite Trophy final.
Yet, it is hard to go against Haddad Maia right now. The consistency and aggression of her tennis is one factor, but she is also one of the strongest players mentally on the WTA Tour. That makes her unlikely to be fazed by the prospect of a crowd being vocally behind her opponent in the WTA Elite Trophy final. In addition, Haddad Maia has repeatedly proven her ability to dig in during tough moments in the past if she needs too. There is also the possibility of Zheng running out of steam slightly after three long matches.
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Zheng’s big hitting is capable of beating anyone, and she does have a chance. However, Haddad Maia’s current form and gritty characteristics make her the favorite to win the WTA Elite Trophy.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 3
Main Photo Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
