More seeded players will get their WTA Beijing campaigns underway on day four in the Chinese capital with a number of star names joining the fray. As always, we at LWOT predict all the matches taking place, including Jasmine Paolini vs Clara Tauson, Mirra Andreeva vs Irina-Camelia Begu, and Aryna Sabalenka vs Mananchaya Sawangkaew. But who will book their place in the round of 64?
WTA Beijing Day 4 Predictions
Magda Linette vs Moyuka Uchijima
Head-to-head: Linette 2-0 Uchijima
Magda Linette was unfortunate to run into Rebecca Sramkova at the Thailand Open, who went on to win the title. The Pole played pretty well in that match, and the defeat was not a cause for concern. Moyuka Uchijima responded to a hammering by Arianne Hartono last week in Thailand by winning her opening round in Beijing in straight sets. Both women play a similar baseline game, meaning there will be many long rallies. Linette usually implements that style slightly better.
Prediction: Linette in 2
Embed from Getty Images
Donna Vekic vs Viktorija Golubic
Head-to-head: Golubic 1-0 Vekic
Wimbledon semifinalist Donna Vekic was probably glad to have an extended rest after a hectic few months that included her winning an Olympic silver medal. Golubic, who defeated the home hope Wang Xiyu in the last round, will hope to catch the Croat cold in her first match since the US Open. However, a refreshed Vekic is the favorite to progress. Golubic won their only previous meeting last year, which was on grass, but Vekic has been transformed during the last few months.
Prediction: Vekic in 2
Barbora Krejcikova vs Jaqueline Cristian
Head-to-head: Krejcikova 1-1 Cristian
Cristian overcame Krejcikova at the Madrid Open a few months ago, but Krejcikova was in her second tournament after an injury. That contest was also on clay, the surface Cristian has had most success on in 2024. Krejcikova should feel much more confident on the hardcourts in Beijing. She will get more free points on her serve, and Cristian is less likely to get time to dictate with her powerful forehand. Expect the Romanian to make the match competitive, though.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 3
Embed from Getty Images
Zheng Qinwen vs Kamilla Rakhimova
Head-to-head: first meeting
Kamilla Rakhimova entered the draw as a lucky loser but defeated Kimberly Birrell – who beat her in the qualifying – in the first round. The 23-year-old has nothing to lose against Zheng Qinwen, which often makes a player more dangerous. But Rakhimova lacks weapons to hurt Zheng. The Olympic gold medalist will dictate most of the rallies throughout the match. It is tough to see Rakhimova being able to win two sets against Zheng by being on the defensive so often.
Prediction: Zheng in 2
Main photo credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
