The remaining WTA Beijing Round of 64 matches will be completed on day four in the Chinese capital and, as ever, we here at LWOT predict are offering our predictions for every match on the slate here, including Zheng Qinwen vs Kamilla Rakhimova, Mirra Andreeva vs Irina-Camelia Begu, and Aryna Sabalenka vs Mananchaya Sawangkaew. But who will secure their spot in the round of 16?
WTA Beijing Day 4 Predictions
Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Wei Sijia
Head-to-head: first meeting
Beatriz Haddad Maia has been excellent at her last few events after a challenging first seven months of the season. She was the runner-up at Tennis in the Land in Cleveland, a quarterfinalist at the US Open, and a winner of the Korea Open at her previous three tournaments. Wei Sijia does not stand a chance if the Brazilian plays near her best again. However, there is no pressure on the home player, who shocked Elena-Gabriela Ruse in the last round, and she can swing freely in Beijing.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 2
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Ashlyn Krueger vs Lulu Sun
Head-to-head: first meeting
Ashlyn Krueger did well to recover against Wang Yafan after leaking several unforced errors in the first set. The moderately fast conditions in Beijing suit both players. Wimbledon quarterfinalist Lulu Sun showed her preference for quick hard courts during her run to the final of the Monterrey Open last month. Sun’s left-handed forehand might make the difference in this matchup. That shot can repeatedly expose Krueger’s weaker backhand, but it could be a tight battle.
Prediction: Sun in 3
Karolina Muchova vs Yue Yuan
Head-to-head: first meeting
Karolina Muchova was outstanding in the first round against Anna Blinkova, only dropping two games. Yuan Yue is the higher-ranked player and will also have home support, but she still starts as the underdog. The Czech’s superior talent and more complete game will be too good if she plays well again. To have a chance, Yuan must be aggressive and stop Muchova from dictating as much as possible.
Prediction: Muchova in 2
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Jasmine Paolini vs Clara Tauson
Head-to-head: first meeting
Clara Tauson is wildly inconsistent, but her powerful game is dangerous when it clicks. She needs to serve excellently and dominate points on Jasmine Paolini’s second serve since the Italian’s athleticism and baseline game are far superior to the Dane’s. Tauson will also hope Paolini is rusty since this will be her first match since the US Open. Nonetheless, it is tough not to back Paolini. The two-time Grand Slam runner-up’s defensive skills and complete game should give her the edge in Beijing.
Prediction: Paolini in 2
Main photo credit: Cara Owsley/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
