Karolina Muchova plays for the first time since her US Open semifinal defeat to Jessica Pegula on Day 2 in Beijing. Muchova, who hit an amazing shot behind her back during that run, could finish the season very strongly if she repeats that level in the Chinese capital. The Czech’s match is one of four predicted in this article. We also predict the rest of the day’s matches, split between three other articles. Those articles feature Ajla Tomljanovic vs Camila Osorio, Harriet Dart vs Clara Tauson, and Viktorija Golubic vs Xiyu Wang. Which players do you think will win?
WTA Beijing Day 2 Predictions
Kamilla Rakhimova vs Kimberly Birrell
Head-to-head: Rakhimova 1-0 Birrell
This is the first match of the Asian swing for both players. However, Rakhimova has greater momentum heading into the contest. She won a WTA 125 tournament in Mexico and reached the quarterfinal of the WTA-500 tournament in Guadalajara the following week. Birrell was less successful at the same events, and her overall game is less solid than Rakhimova’s, which makes this a tough matchup for her.
Prediction: Rakhimova in 2
Jaqueline Cristian vs Anna Bondar
Head-to-head: Bondar 2-1 Cristian
Bondar leads the overall head-to-head, but Cristian won their only hard-court meeting in 2022, also their most recent match. Cristian possesses more firepower than her opponent, primarily from her forehand, but that shot can also be erratic. Bondar will try and hang in the rallies to extract errors from the Romanian. The speedy conditions might tip the match in Cristian’s favor, though.
Prediction: Cristian in 3
Peyton Stearns vs Jessica Bouzas Maneiro
Head-to-head: First meeting
Bouzas Maneiro has been one of the most improved players in women’s games in recent months. She grew up on and still prefers playing on clay, but her game on hard courts is improving. But overcoming Stearns will be tough. The American likes having time on her shots, which the gritty Spaniard will give due to her lack of power. Stearns should have enough to consistently hit through Bouzas Maneiro in the fast conditions in Beijing.
Prediction: Stearns in 2
Karolina Muchova vs Anna Blinkova
Head-to-head: First meeting
Muchova’s level has been impressive since returning from over nine months out in June. Her US Open semifinal run received the most attention, but she also impressed in July by reaching the final of the Palermo Open. Blinkova must be at her best to have a chance against Muchova’s complete game. Unfortunately for her, she has been inconsistent throughout the year, and an upset seems unlikely.
Prediction: Muchova in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
