Tuesday’s action at the WTA 1000 event in Bejing features the first half of eight matches in the fourth round. Among the players featured include US Open finalist Jessica Pegula, and a toss-up clash between Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka. LWOT predicts the upcoming matches below. Who will reach the quarterfinals?
WTA Beijing Day 7 Predictions
Yulia Starodubtseva vs Anna Kalinskaya
Head-to-head: First meeting
This should be an intriguing encounter, despite Kalinskaya’s ranking being 100 spots over Starodubtseva. A qualifier, Starodubtseva hasn’t dropped a set across five matches and took out the seeded Katerina Siniaova 6-2 6-2. Kalinskaya dropped two sets across her first matches, meanwhile. While the Russian should be the favorite with her experience in big matches, Starodubtseva and her powerful game will have nothing to lose.
Prediction: Kalinskaya in 3
Zhang Shuai vs Magdalena Frech
Head-to-head: 1-1
At her career-high ranking, Frech won her first two matches in Beijing in close three-setters, most recently taking out Diana Shanider 0-6 6-3 6-4. Zhang, meanwhile, snapped a 24-match winning streak and seems to be full of confidence. Frech won their most recent meeting at the 2023 French Open, dropping just two games. Yet, the Chinese home crowd should play a major factor into this match, and Zhang is on a hot streak with momentum on her side. Picking the home favorite to stun the 23rd seed.
Prediction: Zhang in 3
Paula Badosa vs Jessica Pegula
Head-to-head: Pegula 3-0
As Badosa continues to climb her way back to the top of the WTA Tour rankings, she’ll try to snap a tough losing run against Pegula. Pegula won the pair’s most recent meeting in Cincinnati just before the US Open, winning 6-2 3-6 6-3. Pegula has had the tougher opponents so far throughout the tournament, but Badosa hasn’t dropped a set throughout the first week. As a day match and ultimately faster courts, this could also benefit Badosa with her offensive game. This feels like a toss-up, but Pegula’s mental strength may shine in the latter stages.
Prediction: Pegula in 3
Coco Gauff vs Naomi Osaka
Head-to-head: 2-2
At last, fans will get a rematch between two of the most popular players on tour. Even better, both Gauff and Osaka have been at their A-games in China, with Gauff limiting her forehand errors and double faults, while Osaka has been solid and consistent from the baseline. Osaka’s serve, meanwhile, may be what guides her to victory. She didn’t face a single break point in her third-round match against Katie Volynets, and such a strength will pressure Gauff’s serve in a primetime match. Gauff will have to consistently make first serves, win the longer rallies and hit deep in the court to ensure Osaka doesn’t overpower the American. In the end, Gauff may just be the slight favorite, but this match can certainly go either way.
Prediction: Gauff in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
