The Asian swing on the WTA Tour continues in Guangzhou, China. There are three first-round matches scheduled for the opening day in China. We at LWOT predict those three contests and one of the qualifying matches taking place in this article, but which players do you think will win?
WTA Guangzhou Predictions
Petra Martic vs Alycia Parks (Qualifying)
Head-to-head: Parks 1-0 Martic
French Open quarterfinalist Martic is a long way past her prime. She usually plays well against powerful hitters like Parks, but the American won their only previous meeting. Martic is capable of triumphing if she successfully uses the variety in her game to disrupt Parks, who prefers a consistent pace in the rallies. The 33-year-old is favored to prevail in three sets and reach the main draw.
Prediction: Martic in 3
Rebecca Sramkova vs Sijia Wei
Head-to-head: First meeting
Sramkova has not played since September, when she had an incredible run of form. She won the Thailand Open, reached the Jasmin Open final, and secured two victories at the China Open. Wei has lost her three matches and will unlikely overcome the Slovakian without significantly improving. Players sometimes struggle after sudden breakthroughs, but Sramkova is the favorite nonetheless.
Prediction: Sramkova in 2
Jaqueline Cristian vs Viktorija Golubic
Head-to-head: Golubic 2-0 Cristian
Golubic has not found form during the Asian swing, but she has won both of her previous matches against the Romanian. Cristian defeated Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova at the China Open and was unfortunate to play Karolina Muchova twice and Qinwen Zheng in her last three tournaments. The 26-year-old’s level this season has undoubtedly been better than Golubic’s, and this is a good opportunity to beat the Swiss player for the first time.
Prediction: Cristian in 2
Erika Andreeva vs Olga Danilovic
Head-to-head: Danilovic 2-0 Andreeva
Danilovic has not played any matches during the Asian swing heading into the tournament, choosing to play at smaller tournaments on clay in Europe. Andreeva created headlines by beating her younger sister, Mirra, at the Wuhan Open. Despite losing her two matches since, the 20-year-old was competitive against Jasmine Paolini and Diane Parry. Danilovic’s lack of recent match practice on hard courts might leave her vulnerable here.
Prediction: Andreeva in 2
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
