Only eight players remain in contention for the 2024 WTA Thailand Open title in Hua Hin. Defending champion Lin Zhu is still going strong despite plenty of strong up-and-comers trying to challenge her. Who do you think will make the final four?
WTA Hua Hin Quarterfinal Predictions
Xinyu Wang vs Yulia Putintseva
Head-to-head: Wang 2-0
This event is lining up like a very good opportunity for Xinyu Wang, who’s been sort of knocking on the door of late but doesn’t have that maiden WTA Tour title (or even final) yet. The Chinese recently defeated Yulia Putinsteva in Auckland and was also able to outlast her in Osaka last year. It seems that the gritty Kazakh might have an issue holding off her offense again, especially as she hasn’t been as clean as Wang this week so far.
Prediction: Wang in 3
Yafan Wang vs Katie Volynets
Head-to-head: First meeting
Yafan Wang had that really impressive Australian Open campaign, making life a nightmare for both Sorana Cirstea and Emma Raducanu. She was also close to throwing out eventual runner-up Qinwen Zheng from the tournament, eventually falling to her compatriot in a third-set tie-break. She’s kept that up and then some so far in Hua Hin and the question is whether Katie Volynets can take her out. At least on paper, the American doesn’t have much to hurt her with.
Prediction: Wang in 2
Diana Shnaider vs Dalma Galfi
Head-to-head: First meeting
It’s a huge week for Dalma Galfi, who used to be perceived as a very decent prospect but suddenly fell off. On a smaller scale a similar thing has been happening to Diana Shnaider–a big-time introduction to the WTA Tour but then struggling to keep posting wins. The Russian is just 19 years old though and seems like she should be able to figure it out in the long run. As for their match on Friday, it looks close and will likely be decided on the form of the day.
Prediction: Shnaider in 3
Arina Rodionova vs Lin Zhu
Head-to-head: Zhu 3-1
Arina Rodionova accomplished a massive feat on Thursday, securing her Top 100 debut at the age of 34 and becoming the oldest player to ever do so. It was mostly achieved through ITF results from last year (seven titles, 78-27 win/loss record), but the Australian is now into the quarterfinals here with a couple of solid wins as well. The quality of the competition will be a step up though. Lin Zhu is the defending champion and has been handling the pressure of defending her 2023 points very well so far.
Prediction: Zhu in 2
Main Photo Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
