The former French Open semifinalist Amanda Anisimova is fit to play in Beijing after retiring in the second set of her match at the Korea Open last week. She is seeking to rediscover the level that took her to the final of this year’s National Bank Open. Her opening match against Xinyu Wang is one of four predicted in this article. As always, we at LWOT predict all the contests on Day 1, including Naomi Osaka vs Lucia Bronzetti, Sofia Kenin vs Ana Bogdan, and Taylor Townsend vs Martina Trevisan.
WTA Beijing Day 1 Predictions
Greet Minnen vs Erika Andreeva
Head-to-head: First meeting
The 20-year-old Andreeva showed progress during the North American hard court season, beating Danielle Collins in Monterrey and taking a set from Qinwen Zheng at the US Open. Minnen has gotten past the first round of her last five tournaments at WTA-250 level and above. She is a solid competitor, and Andreeva will need to win many extended rallies. The Belgian could frustrate her young opponent enough to triumph in Beijing.
Prediction: Minnen in 3
Katie Volynets vs Dalma Galfi
Head-to-head: Galfi 1-0 Volynets
Volynets’ level has dropped in the last two months after an impressive year up to that point. Galfi played well during the grass-court season but has struggled during the rest of the year. The speedy conditions in Beijing help her chances against Volynets, and the American must manage Galfi’s flat and dangerous backhand. Volynets’ greater solidity still makes her a slight favorite, but a Galfi win would not be surprising.
Prediction: Volynets in 3
Jana Fett vs Meiling Wang
Head-to-head: First meeting
Both players will be happy with this draw. Fett is a lucky loser after losing in the second round of qualifying, while Wang, the world No. 410, is a wild card. Although Wang causing an upset is not out of the question, Fett should be confident of reaching the next round. The Croatian progressed to the quarterfinal last week in Hua Hin and took the eventual champion, Rebecca Sramkova, to three sets. Her lower level during the qualifying might still be enough to defeat Wang.
Prediction: Fett in 2
Amanda Anisimova vs Xinyu Wang
Head-to-head: First meeting
This is a battle between two powerful and inconsistent players, although Anisimova’s power is greater than Wang’s. The Chinese player will have to defend more than she is used to against the National Bank Open runner-up. Despite how hard she strikes the ball, Anisimova sometimes struggles with her footwork in fast conditions. That could give Wang a chance, who prefers competing on speedy courts. The home favorite is backed to win what could be a tight battle.
Prediction: Wang in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke – USA TODAY Sports
