Katerina Siniakova is the top seed at the WTA 250 in Guangzhou and while ranking-wise her opening-round draw might seem comfortable, Petra Martic was the World No. 14 just a few years ago. At least the Czech carries a 3-0 head-to-head record into this matchup and will try to extend it. Is it a potential banana skin for Siniakova? Who do you think will come out on top?
WTA Guangzhou Day 2 Predictions
Emina Bektas vs Diane Parry
Head-to-head: Parry 1-0
Emina Bektas was a surprising Top 100 breakthrough last year considering the stage of her career, but the American hasn’t been able to stick. Her game is pretty solid if unspectacular and that usually doesn’t cut it at the very top level. Diane Parry already defeated her in Auckland this year and should be able to do it again, even if her form has been a little unstable of late. We’re still waiting for the former No. 1 junior’s talent to properly explode.
Prediction: Parry in 2
Jessica Bouzas Maneiro vs Jana Fett
Head-to-head: Fett 1-0
Jana Fett is around her career-high ranking at the moment and has been flying a bit under the radar this season. Her form in recent weeks has certainly been sharper than Jessica Bouzas Maneiro with the Spaniard failing to impress in her first two Asian Swing appearances. Fett already defeated her at Roland Garros and should be pretty high on momentum after qualifying for the main draw without dropping a set. But in a battle of higher ceiling against good rhythm, the upside might still be more important.
Prediction: Bouzas Maneiro in 3
Harriet Dart vs Caroline Dolehide
Head-to-head: 1-1
Caroline Dolehide is on the verge of the Top 100 now and she’ll be fighting to make Australian Open main draw after her Guadalajara runner-up points dropped. The American hasn’t proven she can produce runs like that regularly, but she’s still a pretty dangerous opponent on her day. This will be a clear clash of styles with Harriet Dart trying to outrally and grind her down. Given Dolehide’s form at the moment, not sure she’ll be sharp enough.
Prediction: Dart in 3
Katerina Siniakova vs Petra Martic
Head-to-head: Siniakova 3-0
They already faced each other in Linz this year and that ended up being a very tight affair. Katerina Siniakova is top-seeded here and ranked much higher than Petra Martic at the moment, but the Croatian veteran can still access her peak level from time to time and was impressive in the qualifying campaign. Both players can produce plenty of variety and introduce all-court tactics in their games, which is usually something they can surprise the opponent with. Not against each other. Siniakova usually does well in this part of the season.
Prediction: Siniakova in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
