The two remaining WTA Beijing quarterfinals are played on Friday. Mirra Andreeva will battle the home favorite Qinwen Zheng, while the US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka faces a stiff challenge from Karolina Muchova in the other quarterfinal. As always, we at LWOT give our predictions and analysis for both matches, but which two players do you think will reach the semifinals?
WTA Beijing Quarterfinal Predictions
Aryna Sabalenka vs Karolina Muchova
Head-to-head: Muchova 2-1 Sabalenka
Sabalenka and Muchova had two thrilling battles last year at the French Open and Cincinnati Open. Muchova won both those epics in the third set. The Czech’s playing style is suited to disrupting the world No. 2. Her slices, drop shots, and rushes are tools she uses to stop Sabalenka from getting into a rhythm. That is pivotal since the three-time Grand Slam champion is the most devastating WTA player on hardcourts when she feels comfortable.
These two have played the best tennis so far in the women’s singles in Bejing, with neither dropping a set. It is a challenging matchup to call, and Muchova undoubtedly has a chance of beating Sabalenka. However, the Belarusian looks locked in and determined to win her race for the year-end No. 1 spot with Iga Swiatek. Her superb level in the last six weeks may be enough to overcome Muchova.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 3
Mirra Andreeva vs Qinwen Zheng
Head-to-head: First meeting
Andreeva defeated Irina-Camelia Begu, Wimbledon semifinalist Donna Vekic, and Magda Linette to reach the quarterfinal, while Zheng overcame Kamilla Rakhimova, Nadia Podoroska, and Amanda Anisimova. It will be interesting to see how Andreeva copes with the loud and passionate support Zheng will undoubtedly receive. There were no spare seats in the stadium during her opening three matches.
Andreeva usually plays well against powerful opponents. She needs to return Zheng’s formidable serve well since her own serve is not strong enough yet to handle pressure consistently. Zheng has a great backhand, but she will probably try to force Andreeva back by using her cross-court forehand, hit with heavy topspin, since Andreeva’s backhand is probably the best on the WTA Tour, along with Coco Gauff’s. This also promises to be a tight battle, but Zheng’s high level and the home crowd make her a slight favorite.
Prediction: Zheng in 3
Main Photo Credit: Andrew P. Scott – USA TODAY Sports
