The remaining Round of 16 matches are played on Day 4 at the WTA 250 in Ningbo. US Open semifinalist Karolina Muchova and Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova are among those scheduled to take to the court in East China. As always, we at LWOT predict all the matches, but which players do you think will win?
WTA Ningbo Day 4 Predictions
Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Katie Boulter
Head-to-head: Boulter 3-0 Haddad Maia
This is a fascinating matchup. Haddad Maia returned to form during the North American and Asian swings, while Boulter’s level has dropped since the grass-court season. However, the Briton defeated Haddad Maia in their three previous meetings this year. Briton’s powerful forehand caused the Brazilian significant problems in those matches. Although Haddad Maia possesses the more accomplished career, this might be a matchup she always finds challenging.
Prediction: Boulter in 3
Barbora Krejcikova vs Yexin Ma
Head-to-head: First meeting
Krejcikova received a bye in the previous round. The Czech has already qualified for the WTA Finals, and it is possible she signed up for the tournament in Ningbo to try and gain momentum after winning just one singles match since her Wimbledon triumph. Krejcikova cannot afford to take Ma lightly after the home player only dropped four games in the opening round against her compatriot Xiaodi You. However, Ma is ranked outside the Top 200, and Krejcikova should progress to the quarterfinals.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 2
Anna Kalinskaya vs Yue Yuan
Head-to-head: First meeting
Kalinskaya’s battle against Priscilla Hon in the first round was the match of the tournament so far. Hon outperformed her ranking in a terrific contest that Kalinskaya did very well to win. Yuan plays her best tennis on hardcourts and will be a challenging opponent on home soil. Both women like to be aggressive, but Kalinskaya possesses the greater firepower. That means this match is on the Australian Open quarterfinalist’s racket.
Prediction: Kalinskaya in 2
Karolina Muchova vs Jaqueline Cristian
Head-to-head: Muchova 2-0 Cristian
Muchova easily defeated Cristian just over two weeks ago during her run to the China Open final. Beating Muchova when she is playing well is challenging for anyone, but Cristian’s also matches up badly against the Czech. The Romanian thrives when she dominates rallies with her forehand. Muchova is one of the best at stopping that with her superior forehand and variety, making the 28-year-old an overwhelming favorite.
Prediction: Muchova in 2
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
