It promises to be a great day of WTA Beijing action on Saturday. Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka are two of the top players who will play their round of 32 matches. As always, we at LWOT have predictions for all the contests in the Chinese capital, including Jessica Pegula vs Veronika Kudermetova. Which players do you think will progress to the next round?
WTA Beijing Day 5 Predictions
Diana Shnaider vs Magdalena Frech
Head-to-head: Shnaider 1-0 Frech
Frech, who recently won the Guadalajara Open, battled through a tough three-set match against Alycia Parks in the round of 64. Shnaider prevailed more comfortably against Sofia Kenin. Frech’s game is based on solidity, but she lacks firepower. The Pole must extend the rallies and hope Shnaider makes more unforced errors than usual. However, the most likely outcome is that Shnaider, one of 2024’s most improved players, will make her extra firepower count in Beijing.
Prediction: Shnaider in 2
Paula Badosa vs Rebecca Sramkova
Head-to-head: Badosa 1-0 Sramkova
This would have been a great draw for Badosa a few weeks ago, but Sramkova’s recent form means that is no longer the case. The Slovakian has won 13 of her last 14 matches and secured her first WTA title at the Thailand Open. But she did not play someone in Badosa’s class during that run. The Spaniard played her best tennis in over two years during the North American hardcourt swing. Her aggressive game is likely to end Sramkova’s excellent spell of results.
Prediction: Badosa in 2
Naomi Osaka vs Katie Volynets
Head-to-head: First meeting
There is a clear contrast in styles in this encounter. Osaka is one of the most powerful players on the WTA Tour, while Volynets relies on her consistency and athleticism to compete. The American will hope this contest follows a similar pattern to her upset win in the last round against Marta Kostyuk. Volynets made just nine unforced errors in two sets, while Kostyuk leaked 47. Osaka’s last match against Yulia Putintseva was good preparation for this match since the Kazakhstani is a great defender. The four-time Grand Slam effectively attacking Volynets’ vulnerable second-serve may also make the difference in this matchup.
Prediction: Osaka in 2
Coco Gauff vs Katie Boulter
Head-to-head: Gauff 1-1 Boulter
Coco Gauff’s performance in the opening round against Clara Burel was uneven, but she still came through in two sets. Boulter’s formidable serve and forehand make her more threatening when she finds her range. The Briton has a chance if Gauff does not improve her level from the last round. Boulter’s form has dipped since the grass court season, making Gauff the favorite, but this might be closer than many expect.
Prediction: Gauff in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – USA TODAY Sports
