A blockbuster WTA Beijing final awaits between two of the most watchable players in the women’s game. Last year’s US Open champion, Coco Gauff, will battle Karolina Muchova. Gauff hopes to win her second WTA 1000 title, while Muchova aims to secure her first. As always, we at LWOT predict the final in Bejing and the other matches around the grounds. But which woman do you think will win the title in the Chinese capital?
WTA Beijing Final Prediction
Coco Gauff vs Karolina Muchova
Head-to-head: Gauff 2-0 Muchova
Muchova’s level has been superior to any other WTA player throughout the tournament. The Czech only dropped one set in her victories against Anna Blinkova, Yuan Yue, Jaqueline Cristian, Cristina Bucsa, Aryna Sabalenka, and Zheng Qinwen. By contrast, Gauff worked much harder to reach the final. She recovered from a set down in her last three matches against Naomi Osaka, Yulia Starodubtsewa, and Paula Badosa.
Interestingly, each player’s only previous WTA 1000 final was against each other at the Cincinnati Open last year. Gauff won that and their US Open semifinal a few weeks later in straight sets. Muchova did not produce her best tennis in either of those matches. She also struggled with Gauff’s excellent return and passing shots, which took away Muchova’s serve and volleys as weapons.
The Czech needs to serve at her absolute best to get free points in the medium-slow conditions in Beijing. However, her most consistent routes to success will most likely be with her forehand and punishing Gauff’s problematic second serve. The American’s forehand has not been as troublesome as some previous tournaments, but Muchova must make her considerable advantage off that wing pay during the contest.
Gauff’s previous wins against Muchova and her mentality during the tournament will make her confident of triumphing. Despite that, Muchova is narrowly favored to win the title in Bejing. The Czech’s formidable forehand has been excellent throughout the tournament, which is pivotal to her chances. Gauff has also fought through matches despite issues with her game, especially on the second serve, and those frailties may finally be fully exploited in the final.
Prediction: Muchova in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
